Definitions

(noun) friendship; cordial relationship

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

About

is a phono-semantic compound that originated as the simplified version of . The left side, , is the simplified form of the speech radical , indicating that the meaning relates to verbal communication; the right side, , serves as the phonetic component. Historically, the character conveyed the idea of what is proper, suitable, or morally right in interpersonal interactions, often overlapping with the meaning of . Eventually, its primary sense shifted to friendship, mutual goodwill, and positive relations between people or groups, and it now functions as a key element in compound words for camaraderie, strong personal bonds, and diplomatic ties.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

是非常宝贵的。

Yǒuyì shì fēicháng bǎoguì de.

Friendship is very precious.

我们珍视这份友

Wǒmen zhēnshì zhè fèn yǒuyì.

We cherish this friendship.

他们的友经历了考验。

Tāmen de yǒuyì jīnglì le kǎoyàn.

Their friendship has undergone trials.

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

Tōngguò hézuò, wǒmen zēngjìn le yǒuyì.

Through cooperation, we have enhanced our friendship.

国际间的友有助于和平。

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.