并肩

并肩 means 'side by side' or 'shoulder to shoulder,' often used metaphorically to describe people working together or standing united. It emphasizes unity and collaboration rather than just physical proximity.

The character 并 (bìng) originally meant 'to join' or 'to combine,' while 肩 (jiān) refers to the shoulder. Together, they convey the image of two people standing with their shoulders touching, symbolizing partnership and solidarity.

并肩 is commonly used in contexts of teamwork, friendship, or collective effort. It appears in historical texts and modern language to highlight unity, especially in challenging situations. It can also describe a close relationship between individuals, such as friends or colleagues working closely together.