It describes the serendipitous alignment of ideas between people who have not discussed them beforehand.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Agree perfectly without prior consultation.
- A coincidental alignment of thoughts or actions.
- Used for opinions, plans, or specific decisions.
Overview
- 1概述：‘不谋而合’（bù móu ér hé）是一个汉语成语，最早出自晋代陈寿的《三国志》。它的字面意思是‘不经过商量（谋）而（而）相符合（合）’。这个词强调的是一种‘巧合性’和‘高度一致性’，通常带有一种惊喜或赞赏的语气。
常见语境：最常出现在正式的商务会议、学术交流或日常交谈中。当一个人提出建议，而另一个人恰好也有同样的打算时，使用这个词能体现出双方的默契。它适用于中性或褒义的场合。
- 1词义辨析：与‘异曲同工’相比，‘不谋而合’侧重于‘出发点和想法的巧合’，而‘异曲同工’侧重于‘不同的做法达到了同样好的效果’。与‘志同道合’相比，‘不谋而合’通常指针对某一件具体事情的看法一致，是瞬时的巧合；而‘志同道合’指长期的志向和人生道路相同，是持久的关系。
Examples
我们都想吃火锅，真是见解不谋而合。
everydayWe both want to eat hotpot; our ideas just happened to coincide.
贵公司的发展战略与我们的长远规划不谋而合。
formalYour company's development strategy happens to coincide with our long-term planning.
没想到在这件事上，咱俩居然不谋而合了。
informalI didn't expect that you and I would actually agree on this without talking it over.
多位学者的研究结论不谋而合，证实了该理论的可靠性。
academicThe research conclusions of several scholars coincided, confirming the reliability of the theory.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
两人的想法不谋而合
The two people's thoughts coincided.
在……问题上不谋而合
To coincide on the issue of...
完全不谋而合
To coincide completely.
Often Confused With
Focuses on different approaches leading to the same excellent result, while '不谋而合' focuses on the coincidence of the initial idea.
Refers to people sharing the same life goals or ideals over a long period, whereas '不谋而合' is about a specific point in time.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The register is neutral to formal. It is highly versatile and can be used in both written literature and spoken conversation. Grammatically, it functions as a verb phrase (predicate) and does not take a direct object.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is using it to describe a situation where people *did* plan together. Another error is using it as a noun, which is incorrect in Chinese grammar. Lastly, learners often confuse it with '志同道合', which implies a friendship based on shared values.
Tips
Use it to build instant rapport
Using this phrase in a meeting when you agree with a colleague can create a sense of natural alignment and teamwork.
Avoid if there was prior discussion
If you have already negotiated or discussed the matter, using this word is factually incorrect as 'móu' (planning) did occur.
Reflects the value of harmony
In Chinese culture, spontaneous agreement is often seen as a sign of 'yuánfèn' (destined connection) or natural harmony.
Word Origin
Originates from the 'Records of the Three Kingdoms' (三国志) by Chen Shou, describing how different strategists reached the same conclusion independently.
Cultural Context
In China, having ideas that 'bù móu ér hé' is often seen as a sign of deep connection or shared wisdom, implying that 'great minds think alike'. It is a very positive way to validate someone else's opinion.
Memory Tip
Think: 'Bù' (No) + 'Móu' (Planning) + 'Ér' (Yet) + 'Hé' (Matching). It's like a mental high-five without looking!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions可以。虽然它通常用于中性或褒义语境，但如果两个坏人的计划刚好一致，也可以说他们‘不谋而合’，不过这种情况较少见。
‘心有灵犀’更强调情感上的共鸣和深层的默契，常用于恋人或知己；‘不谋而合’则更侧重于具体的意见或方案的一致。
非常常用。无论是在职场讨论还是朋友聚会，当发现大家想法一致时，说一句‘真是大伙儿不谋而合’非常地道。
不可以。‘不谋而合’本身就是一个完整的动词性结构，通常说‘A与B不谋而合’或‘两人的想法不谋而合’。
Test Yourself
关于这次旅行的目的地，我们两人的想法___。
此处形容两人的想法在没有商量的情况下完全一致，‘不谋而合’最合适。
场景选择：
‘不谋而合’强调没有事先商量但结果一致，设计师互不相识却作品相似符合此意。
方案 / 经理 / 我的 / 和 / 不谋而合 / 竟然
正确的语法结构是‘A和B（竟然）不谋而合’。
Score: /3
Summary
It describes the serendipitous alignment of ideas between people who have not discussed them beforehand.
- Agree perfectly without prior consultation.
- A coincidental alignment of thoughts or actions.
- Used for opinions, plans, or specific decisions.
Use it to build instant rapport
Using this phrase in a meeting when you agree with a colleague can create a sense of natural alignment and teamwork.
Avoid if there was prior discussion
If you have already negotiated or discussed the matter, using this word is factually incorrect as 'móu' (planning) did occur.
Reflects the value of harmony
In Chinese culture, spontaneous agreement is often seen as a sign of 'yuánfèn' (destined connection) or natural harmony.
Examples
4 of 4我们都想吃火锅，真是见解不谋而合。
We both want to eat hotpot; our ideas just happened to coincide.
贵公司的发展战略与我们的长远规划不谋而合。
Your company's development strategy happens to coincide with our long-term planning.
没想到在这件事上，咱俩居然不谋而合了。
I didn't expect that you and I would actually agree on this without talking it over.
多位学者的研究结论不谋而合，证实了该理论的可靠性。
The research conclusions of several scholars coincided, confirming the reliability of the theory.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
