Proverb / Kotowaza
呉越同舟
Enemies or rivals being in the same place or cooperating for a shared goal.
Enemies from the states of Wu and Yue in the same boat
Quick Answer
Enemies or rivals being in the same place or cooperating for a shared goal.
- Literal Image
- Enemies from the states of Wu and Yue in the same boat
- How to Use It
- Used when describing situations where people who normally disagree or compete must work together to overcome a crisis or complete a task.
Meaning
Refers to bitter rivals or enemies who find themselves in the same situation. It specifically describes the act of cooperating despite mutual dislike when faced with a shared difficulty or interest.
Literal Image
Enemies from the states of Wu and Yue in the same boat
How to Use It
Used when describing situations where people who normally disagree or compete must work together to overcome a crisis or complete a task.
Tone
Neutral; can be used in business or social contexts to describe uneasy but necessary alliances.
Examples
普段は対立するライバル企業が、業界の危機に呉越同舟で共闘した。
Rival companies joined forces during an industry crisis, working together despite their competition.
嫌いな同僚と同じプロジェクトに配属されたが、呉越同舟で乗り切るしかない。
I was assigned to the same project as a colleague I dislike, but we have no choice but to work together like enemies in the same boat.
災害時には、意見の異なる住民同士も呉越同舟で協力し合った。
In times of disaster, residents with differing opinions cooperated by putting aside their differences.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses formal kanji and follows the four-character idiom (yojijukugo) structure, which increases idiomatic opacity for learners.
呉
ご / go
State of Wu (ancient China)
越
えつ / etsu
State of Yue (ancient China)
同舟
どうしゅう / doshu
same boat
Usage Profile
Usage note: This does not imply a true friendship or reconciliation, only a temporary cooperation for survival or benefit.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to describe close friends working together; it specifically requires a background of rivalry or dislike.
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Origin
The expression originates from a passage in Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War.' It describes how people from the rival states of Wu and Yue, who hated each other, would still rescue one another like their own left and right hands if they found themselves on the same boat during a storm.
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Source Note
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