携手并进
xié shǒu bìng jìn
Go hand in hand
Literally: Carry by hand (携), hand (手), and (并), advance (进)
In 15 Seconds
- Moving forward together toward a shared goal.
- Perfect for business partnerships, weddings, and inspiring speeches.
- Emphasizes unity, mutual support, and long-term commitment.
Meaning
It describes two or more people joining forces to move forward toward a common goal. It is about mutual support and shared progress, like walking hand in hand into the future.
Key Examples
3 of 6Closing a business deal
希望我们在未来的项目中能携手并进。
I hope we can move forward hand in hand in future projects.
A wedding toast
祝你们夫妻二人一生携手并进，白头偕老。
May you two go hand in hand through life and grow old together.
Texting a teammate after a win
这次合作很愉快，下次继续携手并进！
This was a great collaboration; let's keep moving forward together next time!
Cultural Background
The phrase embodies the Confucian ideal of social harmony and mutual assistance. While it sounds romantic, it is most frequently used in political and economic discourse to signal 'win-win' cooperation. It gained massive popularity in modern times as a slogan for international relations and corporate mergers.
The 'Partner' Power
If you want to impress a Chinese business partner, use this in your closing remarks. It signals that you don't just want their money, you want a relationship.
Don't get too literal
While it means 'holding hands,' don't use it to literally describe two people holding hands while walking to the park. Use `牵手` (qiānshǒu) for the physical act.
In 15 Seconds
- Moving forward together toward a shared goal.
- Perfect for business partnerships, weddings, and inspiring speeches.
- Emphasizes unity, mutual support, and long-term commitment.
What It Means
携手并进 (xié shǒu bìng jìn) is a beautiful way to say 'moving forward together.' It literally means holding hands and stepping forward at the same pace. It is about partnership, unity, and shared ambition. Think of it as the ultimate 'teamwork' phrase. It suggests that neither person is left behind. You are both equally committed to the journey.
How To Use It
You usually place this at the end of a sentence to describe a state of cooperation. It works well when talking about couples, business partners, or even countries. You can say 'We should 携手并进.' It functions as a verb phrase. It sounds polished and very encouraging. It is like giving a verbal high-five while looking at the horizon.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound inspiring. It is perfect for a wedding toast to a new couple. It is great for a business proposal to show you value the partnership. Use it in a graduation speech to motivate your classmates. It works in a heartfelt text to a partner during a tough time. It shows you are in it for the long haul.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for trivial, one-off tasks. If you are just going to the grocery store, it is too dramatic. Avoid it if you are actually competing with someone. It implies harmony, so do not use it during a heated argument. It is a bit too 'grand' for a casual 'let's go' to the gym. Using it for small things makes you sound like a movie character.
Cultural Background
This phrase reflects the deep Chinese value of collectivism. In Chinese culture, individual success is often secondary to group harmony. The image of 'holding hands' is a powerful symbol of trust. It dates back to classical literature but remains a staple in modern speeches. It suggests that the path ahead might be difficult. But, as long as we are together, we will succeed.
Common Variations
You might hear 并肩作战 (fighting shoulder to shoulder) for more intense situations. Another one is 同舟共济 (crossing the river in the same boat) for times of crisis. 携手并进 is the most positive and forward-looking of the bunch. It focuses on the bright future rather than just surviving the present. It is the 'golden standard' for expressing long-term cooperation.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register idiom (Chengyu). It is most effective in formal writing, speeches, or serious emotional conversations. Avoid using it in extremely casual slang-heavy environments unless you are being intentionally dramatic or ironic.
The 'Partner' Power
If you want to impress a Chinese business partner, use this in your closing remarks. It signals that you don't just want their money, you want a relationship.
Don't get too literal
While it means 'holding hands,' don't use it to literally describe two people holding hands while walking to the park. Use `牵手` (qiānshǒu) for the physical act.
The 'Four-Character' Magic
This is a 'Chengyu' (idiom). Using these makes you sound educated and sophisticated in Chinese culture. It's like using a Shakespeare quote in English!
Examples
6希望我们在未来的项目中能携手并进。
I hope we can move forward hand in hand in future projects.
Shows professional commitment and optimism.
祝你们夫妻二人一生携手并进，白头偕老。
May you two go hand in hand through life and grow old together.
A classic, heartfelt wish for a new couple.
这次合作很愉快，下次继续携手并进！
This was a great collaboration; let's keep moving forward together next time!
Encouraging and friendly for a work chat.
为了减肥，我们两块五花肉也要携手并进啊！
To lose weight, us two pieces of pork belly must also march forward together!
Using a grand phrase for a silly personal goal.
别担心，我会陪你携手并进，渡过难关。
Don't worry, I'll walk with you hand in hand to get through this.
Very supportive and deeply personal.
新的一年，让我们携手并进，再创辉煌！
In the new year, let's march forward together and create more glory!
Standard high-energy corporate motivation.
Test Yourself
Choose the best context for using '携手并进'.
在开幕式上，校长说：'让我们与家长们___，为孩子的未来努力。'
The principal is calling for cooperation between the school and parents for a shared goal.
Which word completes the phrase?
携手___进
The fixed four-character idiom (Chengyu) is 携手并进.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of 'Moving Together'
Together / With you
一起 (yīqǐ)
Cooperate
合作 (hézuò)
Hand in hand forward
携手并进 (xiéshǒu bìngjìn)
In the same boat through storms
风雨同舟 (fēngyǔ tóngzhōu)
Where to use 携手并进
Business Partnership
Signing a MOU
Marriage
Wedding Vows
Community
Charity Work
Education
Teacher-Parent Meeting
Practice Bank
2 exercises在开幕式上，校长说：'让我们与家长们___，为孩子的未来努力。'
The principal is calling for cooperation between the school and parents for a shared goal.
携手___进
The fixed four-character idiom (Chengyu) is 携手并进.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt literally means 'carrying hands and advancing together.' It paints a picture of two people walking forward at the same speed while linked together.
Not at all! While it's common in weddings, it's actually more frequent in business and politics to describe 'strategic partnerships' or 'teamwork.'
Yes, but keep it for meaningful moments. If you and a friend are starting a business or a difficult study plan, saying 让我们携手并进 is very encouraging.
一起 is a simple adverb for any shared action. 携手并进 is an idiom that implies a shared goal, mutual support, and a sense of progress.
It depends on the vibe. In a professional or serious supportive text, it's great. In a casual 'where are you' text, it's way too much.
Yes! It can refer to a whole group, a company, or even nations working together toward a common objective.
Using it for negative things. You wouldn't say 'Let's 携手并进 to fail this exam.' It is strictly for positive, constructive progress.
No, it's almost always metaphorical. It refers to progress in life, career, or projects, not physical movement.
Yes, 并肩前行 (bìngjiān qiánxíng) means 'walking forward shoulder to shoulder' and is very similar in meaning and formality.
It's 'xié shǒu bìng jìn.' Pay attention to the second tone on 携 and the fourth tones on 并 and 进 for that strong, decisive sound.
Related Phrases
并肩作战 (Fight shoulder to shoulder)
同心协力 (Work with one heart and effort)
志同道合 (Have common interests and goals)
合作共赢 (Cooperate for a win-win result)
