The word 朋友 (péngyou, friend) is formed through the meaningful combination of two ancient characters that conceptually reinforce each other. 朋 (péng) originally depicted two strings of precious shells tied together, symbolizing connection and fellowship, while 友 (yǒu) was a pictogram of two hands (one over the other) reaching in the same direction, representing cooperation and alliance. By joining them, the compound visually and ideographically merges the ideas of "bonded companions" and "supportive hands" into a single, reinforced concept of mutual, dependable friendship.