友 (yǒu) - friend & friendly

友Tone 3

yǒu ｜ 4 strokes ｜ radical: 又

咏与

友 · yǒu

friend;

friendly;

to befriend;

to associate with;

to have friendly relations.

friendfriendlyto befriend

Usage highlights

FriendFriendshipFriendlyClose friendGirlfriendBoyfriend

Synonyms

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is my good friend (好朋友).
  • We have a friendly relationship (友好关系).
  • They are classmates and friends (同学和朋友).
  • International friendship (国际友谊) is important.

Collocations

  • Friend(朋友)
  • Friendship(友谊)
  • Friendly(友好)
  • Close friend(好友)
  • Girlfriend(女友)
  • Boyfriend(男友)

Idioms

  • Brothers who are as close as friends(友于兄弟)
  • To associate with righteous friends(友直友谅)
  • Friends of literature and art(文友艺友)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Confucian ethics, friendship is one of the five cardinal relationships.
  • The character depicts two hands (又) joined, symbolizing cooperation and mutual support.
  • Highly valued in Chinese culture as a virtue and essential social bond.

FAQ