HSK 5 · VERSION 2.0#26

Expressing “Each Other” with “bǐcǐ”

彼此

bǐcǐ

How it works

彼此 (bǐcǐ) means “each other” or “one another.” It is similar to 互相 (hùxiāng), but the feeling is slightly different.

互相 (hùxiāng) is often used before a verb and focuses on the mutual action itself.

彼此 (bǐcǐ) often focuses more on the relationship between both sides, or on both sides as people / parties.

Because of this, 彼此 (bǐcǐ) is common in more descriptive, emotional, or formal situations.

彼此 (bǐcǐ) + Verb / Phrase Subject + 对 (duì) + 彼此 (bǐcǐ) + Predicate

经过这次合作，我们对彼此的工作方式有了更深的了解。

Jīngguò zhè cì hézuò, wǒmen duì bǐcǐ de gōngzuò fāngshì yǒu le gèng shēn de liǎojiě.

After this cooperation, we gained a deeper understanding of each other’s working styles.

两个人要想长期相处，就得学会尊重彼此。

Liǎng ge rén yào xiǎng chángqī xiāngchǔ, jiù děi xuéhuì zūnzhòng bǐcǐ.

If two people want to get along for a long time, they must learn to respect each other.

虽然大家意见不同，但至少应该先听听彼此的想法。

Suīrán dàjiā yìjiàn bùtóng, dàn zhìshǎo yīnggāi xiān tīngting bǐcǐ de xiǎngfǎ.

Although everyone has different opinions, at least they should first listen to each other’s ideas.

A simple way to understand the difference:

互相帮助 (hùxiāng bāngzhù) = help each other

理解彼此 (lǐjiě bǐcǐ) = understand each other

So 互相 (hùxiāng) is often more action-based, while 彼此 (bǐcǐ) often sounds more relational.