Definitions

bàn (verb) to accompany
bàn (noun) companion; partner; associate

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "伴" is structurally composed of the person radical "亻" positioned beside the component "半", which means "half", implying a person who serves as a counterpart or one part of a pair. Etymologically, this construction reflects the idea of a companion as a complementary half, originating from early Chinese texts where it denoted "to accompany" or "a partner". Over centuries, its core meaning of companionship has remained central, though its usage expanded to include derived senses such as fellow participant or associate in various contexts, without altering its fundamental association with mutual presence or partnership.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他是我的好同

Tā shì wǒ de hǎo tóngbàn.

He is my good companion.

我陪妈妈散步。

Wǒ péibàn māma sànbù.

I accompany my mom for a walk.

小狗是我的忠实侣。

Xiǎogǒu shì wǒ de zhōngshí bànlǚ.

The puppy is my loyal companion.

我们随着音乐跳舞。

Wǒmen bànsuízhe yīnyuè tiàowǔ.

We dance along with the music.

在旅途中,他是我唯一的同

Zài lǚtú zhōng, tā shì wǒ wéiyī de tóngbàn.

During the journey, he is my only companion.

她的陪让我感到温暖。

Tā de péibàn ràng wǒ gǎndào wēnnuǎn.

Her companionship makes me feel warm.

这本书随我度过了许多孤独的夜晚。

Zhè běn shū bànsuì wǒ dùguòle xǔduō gūdú de yèwǎn.

This book accompanied me through many lonely nights.

在人生的道路上,我们需要真诚的侣。

Zài rénshēng de dàolù shàng, wǒmen xūyào zhēnchéng de bànlǚ.

On the path of life, we need sincere partners.