noun HSK 5
Traditional
friendship · affection · cordial relations

Meaning

refers to friendship, goodwill, or cordial relations between people. It expresses the bond and affection that exists in close relationships, particularly emphasizing mutual understanding and warm feelings. This character is most commonly seen in compound words rather than used alone in modern Chinese.

Usage

is primarily used in formal or written contexts and rarely appears as a standalone word in spoken Mandarin. It's most frequently seen in compounds like 友 (friendship), 情 (friendly feelings), and 联 (social gathering). The character carries a warm, positive connotation and suggests deeper emotional bonds rather than casual acquaintance.

Examples

  1. 01
    他们之间有着深厚的情
    Tāmen zhī jiān yǒu zhe shēn hòu de qíng .
    There is a deep friendship between them.
  2. 02
    这次联活动增进了两校师生的友
    Zhè lián huó dòng zēng jìn le liǎng xiào shī shēng de yǒu .
    This social event enhanced the friendship between teachers and students of both schools.

Common collocations

  • 万岁
    yǒu wàn suì
    long live friendship
  • 深厚的情
    shēn hòu de qíng
    deep affection/friendship
  • lián huì
    social gathering, mixer

Antonyms

Origin

The traditional form contains the speech radical 言 (yán, speech) on the left and 宜 (yí, appropriate/suitable) on the right, suggesting that true friendship involves appropriate and harmonious communication.

Related