相得益彰 (xiāng dé yì zhāng)

idiom (chengyu) HSK 6

xiāng dé yì zhāng

to complement each other perfectly · to bring out the best in each other · mutually enhancing

Meaning

This chengyu describes two things or people that complement each other so well that each makes the other more outstanding. When combined, they produce a result greater than the sum of their parts, with each element highlighting and enhancing the virtues of the other.

Usage

Commonly used in formal writing and speech to describe harmonious partnerships, combinations of talents, or complementary elements in art, design, or relationships. Often appears in contexts discussing teamwork, aesthetic harmony, or strategic collaboration.

Examples

01
传统文化与现代设计相得益彰，创造出独特的艺术风格。
Chuántǒng wénhuà yǔ xiàndài shèjì xiāng dé yì zhāng, chuàngzào chū dútè de yìshù fēnggé.
Traditional culture and modern design complement each other perfectly, creating a unique artistic style.
02
他们俩的才能相得益彰，合作完成了许多重要项目。
Tāmen liǎ de cáinéng xiāng dé yì zhāng, hézuò wánchéng le xǔduō zhòngyào xiàngmù.
Their talents bring out the best in each other, and together they have completed many important projects.

Characters

Common collocations

两者相得益彰
liǎng zhě xiāng dé yì zhāng
the two complement each other perfectly
与...相得益彰
yǔ ... xiāng dé yì zhāng
to complement perfectly with...

Antonyms

格格不入gé gé bù rùincompatible, out of place

Origin

This idiom comes from the Book of Han. The characters literally mean 'mutually obtained benefit manifest,' expressing how two elements make each other's strengths more evident and beneficial.