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일심동체 一心同體
Two or more people becoming one in heart and mind, acting and cooperating in perfect unison as if they were a single body.
일심동체 (一心同體) means "Two or more people becoming one in heart and mind, acting and cooperating in perfect unison as if they were a single body.". The phrase literally translates to 'One Heart (一心)' and 'Same Body (同體).' While it doesn't originate
1 Meaning
일심동체 (一心同體) means “Two or more people becoming one in heart and mind, acting and cooperating in perfect unison as if they were a single body.”.
Ilsim-dongche describes a state where different individuals unite their hearts so completely that they act as a single entity. It serves as a metaphor for a deep connection where thoughts and purposes are perfectly aligned.
The Western Equivalent
“Of one heart and one mind”
A close match in spirit. The English "of one heart and mind" (and the biblical "one flesh") shares the sense of two people fused in purpose, though the Korean phrase leans more on the physical image of a single body acting as one.
2 Examples
A corporate team facing a high-stakes project deadline
Team members stop worrying about individual roles and immediately step in to fill gaps, working day and night for the shared goal
Relay runners competing in a championship final
They perfectly sense each other's speed and rhythm without a word, passing the baton with seamless precision
A couple facing a sudden and difficult financial crisis
Instead of blaming one another, they combine their efforts to reduce spending and find new sources of income together
An idol group performing a perfectly synchronized choreography
Through thousands of hours of practice, they align every movement down to their fingertips, dancing like a single organism
Which situation fits this idiom?
Pick the everyday scene where “일심동체” fits best.
3 Origin
4 Key Lessons
True cooperation begins by tuning your heart to the same frequency as others, not just standing beside them.
When we trust each other and unite in times of crisis, we generate a powerful force capable of overcoming any obstacle.
Deep emotional bonds are formed when we prioritize shared goals over individual interests.
5 English Expression
English Vocabulary
aligned
일직선으로 정렬된, 긴밀히 연결된
"The wheels of the car must be perfectly aligned."
disappear
사라지다
"The sun will disappear behind the clouds soon."
grip
꽉 잡다
"He had to grip the handle tightly so he wouldn't fall."
overflow
넘쳐흐르다
"The river began to overflow after the heavy rain."
6 Learn with Music
Related Idioms
일심동체
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