Chún Wáng Chǐ Hán (唇亡齿寒)

Basic Information

Chinese Idiom: 唇亡齿寒
Pinyin: chún wáng chǐ hán
Literal Meaning: When the lips are gone, the teeth will feel cold.
Figurative Meaning: Two things or parties are closely connected; if one suffers harm, the other will be affected too. It describes an interdependent relationship with shared interests and risks.

Extended Background & Usage Notes

This is a well‑known ancient Chinese idiom with a historical origin.

In the Spring and Autumn Period, the powerful State of Jin wanted to conquer Guo, but its army had to pass through the State of Yu to get there. To achieve this, the ruler of Jin bribed the greedy Duke of Yu with priceless treasures, asking for permission to borrow a path through his territory.

Despite the urgent warnings from his wise minister Gong Zhiqi – who famously used the metaphor “If the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold” to explain that the survival of Yu and Guo was interdependent – the Duke of Yu was blinded by the riches and agreed to let the Jin army pass.

The Jin army successfully conquered and destroyed the State of Guo. On their way back, they took advantage of Yu’s complete lack of defense and launched a surprise attack, easily conquering the State of Yu as well.

This Chinese idiom is usually neutral or slightly warning‑toned, widely used in politics, business and daily life to remind people that allies, partners or neighboring sides share common fate. If one side falls, the other cannot stay safe alone.

Origin

1. From Zuo Zhuan (Zuo’s Commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals) · The 5th Year of Duke Xi (an authoritative historical record of ancient China):
   The State of Guo acts as a buffer protecting the State of Yu. If Guo perishes, Yu will surely follow it… As the old saying goes, “The cheekbone and jaw support each other; when the lips are lost, the teeth grow cold.” This perfectly describes the relationship between Yu and Guo.
2. From Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Chapter 19) by Luo Guanzhong of the Ming Dynasty:
   If Your Majesty does not come to our rescue now, I fear that when the lips are gone the teeth will turn cold – and this will bring no good fortune to Your Majesty either.

Usage

It is used to emphasize interdependence and shared risks, warning people not to ignore the safety of closely‑related partners.