相得益彰

xiāngdé-yìzhāng

idiom #60,018

Meanings

1 to complement each other perfectly (idiom)
2 to bring out the best in one another
3 mutually enhancing

Characters

mutually; each other

to gain; to obtain

even more; benefit

evident; to manifest

Examples

这两位演员的风格相得益彰。

Zhè liǎng wèi yǎnyuán de fēnggé xiāngdéyìzhāng.

The two actors' styles complement each other perfectly.

红酒和牛排相得益彰。

Hóngjiǔ hé niúpái xiāngdéyìzhāng.

Red wine and steak bring out the best in each other.

图文相得益彰，这本书很值得一读。

Túwén xiāngdéyìzhāng, zhè běnshū hěn zhídé yī dú.

The pictures and text complement each other perfectly — the book is well worth reading.

Tips

usage

Always positive — the two things pair well and amplify each other's strengths. Contrast with 相辅相成 which stresses interdependence rather than enhancement.

history

Rooted in 《史记·伯夷列传》: 伯夷、叔齐虽贤，得夫子而名益彰 — Boyi and Shuqi were worthy, but their fame grew brighter because Confucius praised them. The idea: partnering with the right counterpart makes each shine more.

Stroke Order

相 xiāng

得 de

益 yì

彰 zhāng