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

HSK 5

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.

HSK 5

红酒和牛排相得益彰。

Hóngjiǔ hé niúpái xiāngdéyìzhāng.

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

HSK 7-9

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