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本是同根生

běnshìtónggēnshēng
phrase

Meanings

  1. 1 we are fundamentally grown from the same root
  2. 2 to share the same origins — used to reproach in-fighting among brothers or compatriots

Examples

本是同根生，相煎何太急，兄弟不该这样争斗。
Běn shì tóng gēn shēng, xiāng jiān hé tài jí, xiōngdì bù gāi zhèyàng zhēngdòu.
'Born of the same root — why scald each other so urgently?' Brothers shouldn't fight like this.
海峡两岸本是同根生，应该和平相处。
Hǎixiá liǎng àn běn shì tóng gēn shēng, yīnggāi hépíng xiāngchǔ.
Both sides of the Strait come from the same root and should live in peace.

Tips

history
From the 《七步诗》 (Seven-Step Poem) attributed to Cao Zhi (曹植) of the Three Kingdoms. Legend says his brother Cao Pi (曹丕), suspicious of his talent, ordered him to compose a poem in seven paces or die. Cao Zhi improvised: 煮豆燃豆萁，豆在釜中泣。本是同根生，相煎何太急 — 'Boiling beans over burning bean-stalks, the beans weep inside the pot. Born of the same root — why scald each other so urgently?'
usage
A classic reproach against infighting among people who share blood, heritage, or cause. Often used in discussions of cross-Strait relations, family disputes, or sectarian conflicts. Usually paired with 相煎何太急.

Stroke Order

本 běn
是 shì
同 tóng
根 gēn
生 shēng