谊

誼

yì

宜 + 讠

Definitions

yì (noun) friendship; cordial relationship

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 讠 represents the meaning and 宜 represents the sound. Simplified form of 誼.

About

The character 谊 is a phono-semantic compound. Its semantic radical 讠 (speech) on the left connects it to communication, while the phonetic component 宜 on the right provides its pronunciation. The traditional form, 誼, uses the unsimplified radical 言 but retains the same phonetic element. Historically, the character related closely to propriety and moral rightness in relationships, often overlapping with the meaning of 义. Over time, its primary meaning shifted toward friendship, mutual affection, and positive relations, becoming a key component in words describing diplomatic ties, camaraderie, and strong personal bonds.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

友谊是非常宝贵的。

Yǒuyì shì fēicháng bǎoguì de.

Friendship is very precious.

我们珍视这份友谊。

Wǒmen zhēnshì zhè fèn yǒuyì.

We cherish this friendship.

他们的友谊经历了考验。

Tāmen de yǒuyì jīnglì le kǎoyàn.

Their friendship has undergone trials.

友谊建立在信任之上。

Yǒuyì jiànlì zài xìnrèn zhī shàng.

Friendship is built on trust.

通过合作，我们增进了友谊。

Tōngguò hézuò, wǒmen zēngjìn le yǒuyì.

Through cooperation, we have enhanced our friendship.

国际间的友谊有助于和平。

Guójì jiān de yǒuyì yǒu zhù yú hépíng.

Friendship between nations contributes to peace.

在困难时期，他们的友谊显得更加珍贵。

Zài kùnnan shíqī, tāmen de yǒuyì xiǎndé gèngjiā zhēnguì.

During difficult times, their friendship appears even more precious.

尽管有分歧，但他们之间的深厚友谊从未动摇。

Jǐnguǎn yǒu fēnqí, dàn tāmen zhī jiān de shēnhòu yǒuyì cóngwèi dòngyáo.

Despite having differences, their profound friendship has never wavered.

Related Characters

Component: 宜

Component: 讠

谊