Grammar Point:
互相 hùxiāng and 相互 xiānghù are two Chinese expressions that are used to convey the idea of “each other” in English. While they are similar in meaning, there is a slight difference in their usage and placement within a sentence.
Structure
互相 hùxiāng + V
互相 hùxiāng is an adverb and it typically focuses on the action or interaction itself.
互相合作互相合作
Mutual cooperation
互相責怪互相责怪
Blame each other
那兩個人互相喜歡對方那两个人互相喜欢对方
Those two people like each other.
他們互相幫助他们互相帮助
They help each other.
我們互相鼓勵我们互相鼓励
We encourage each other.
老師和學生應該互相尊重老师和学生应该互相尊重
Teachers and students should respect each other.
相互 xiānghù + N or V
相互 xiānghù can be an adverb or an adjective, and it usually emphasizes the mutual nature of the relationship or interaction.
相互支持相互支持
Support each other
相互討厭相互讨厌
Dislike each other
他們之間有相互的信任他们之间有相互的信任
There is mutual trust between them.
這兩個國家建立了相互合作關係这两个国家建立了相互合作关系
These two countries have established a relationship of mutual cooperation.
他們在工作中形成了相互依賴的關係他们在工作中形成了相互依赖的关系
They have formed a relationship of mutual dependence in their work.
這本書和電影有相互的關聯这本书和电影有相互的关联
This book and the movie have a mutual connection between them.
FYI
I’m about to let you in on a little secret. Many native Chinese speakers often mix up 互相 hùxiāng and 相互 xiānghù because we use them interchangeably. We don’t typically worry about whether the following word is a noun or a verb. However, if you’re preparing for an HSK test, it’s important to understand the distinction in their usage and where they should appear in a sentence.
Practice
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✔️ Siblings often influence each other.
兄弟姐妹之間常互相影響兄弟姐妹之间常互相影响
✔️ Classmates should build friendships based on mutual respect with each other.
同學們應該建立相互尊重的友誼同学们应该建立相互尊重的友谊
✔️ Don’t compare yourself with him; just compare yourself with yourself.
你不要和他互相比較,跟自己比較就好你不要和他互相比较,跟自己比较就好