inseparable friendship; deep bond
A yojijukugo referring to an extremely close, unwavering friendship, based on the legendary bond between Guan Zhong and Bao Shuya in ancient China. Often used in literary or formal contexts.
See also: 管鮑の交わり
Their relationship is truly an inseparable friendship.
I want to build a bond like that of Guan and Bao.
Also means a deep friendship, but emphasizes a bond so strong that one would risk decapitation for the other; more dramatic and less commonly used than 管鮑之交.
Refers to an intimate, inseparable relationship like that between water and fish; often used for close friendships or marital harmony.
Standard kanji form for this yojijukugo.
Alternate spelling using 交わり instead of 之交; also common.
From the Chinese historical story of Guan Zhong (管仲) and Bao Shuya (鮑叔牙), whose friendship was so deep that they trusted each other implicitly despite political turmoil. The phrase is a yojijukugo adaptation of that story.