Chinese Idiom: 同病相怜 (Tong Bing Xiang Lian)
English Translation: Sympathize with each other in the same affliction
pīn yīn: tóng bìng xiāng lián
Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to mutual sympathy or understanding between individuals who share similar experiences or misfortunes. It can also have a pejorative connotation, implying that two people are drawn to each other because they share similar flaws or problems.
Historical Source: poem 《碧涧别墅喜皇甫侍御相访》 (Joy at the Visit of Huangfu the Imperial Attendant) by Liu Changqing, a Tang Dynasty poet.
Idiom Story:
Liu Changqing (字文房), a Tang Dynasty poet from Hejian (modern-day Hebei Province), passed the imperial examinations in 733 AD and held various government positions. During the reign of Emperor Suzong, Liu was wrongfully imprisoned due to internal court conflicts, though he was later exonerated. Despite his clearance, he was demoted to a minor post in Nanba (modern-day Maoming, Guangdong). His residence, known as Bijiang Villa, was located in a remote area.
One day, Liu’s old friend Huangfu Zeng, who had previously served as an imperial attendant, visited him at Bijiang Villa. In response to Huangfu Zeng’s visit, Liu Changqing composed a poem to express his feelings. The poem goes:
荒村带返照，落叶乱纷纷。
古路无行客，寒山独见君。
野桥经雨断，涧水向田分。
不为怜同病，何人到白云。
Translation of the Poem:
The desolate village under the setting sun, leaves falling in chaos.
On the ancient road, seldom traveled, only you are seen coming.
After the autumn rain, the wild bridge is broken, and the stream flows into the fields.
If not for mutual sympathy in our misfortunes, who would visit such a remote mountain?
The poem reflects Liu’s sentiments towards his friend Huangfu Zeng, who visited him despite the hardships Liu was facing. The phrase “同病相怜” (sympathize with each other in the same affliction) captures the essence of their shared understanding and compassion for each other’s plight.
