友好

• Pinyin: yǒu hǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 友 = 又 (hand) + 又 (hand), depicting two hands clasping in friendship; 好 = 女 (woman) + 子 (child), meaning 'good'

Meaning

Friendly; amicable. Describing a warm, kind, and welcoming attitude towards others.

Used to describe people, attitudes, relationships, or environments. Common in both personal and diplomatic contexts. 友好关系 (friendly relations) is frequently used in news about international relations. Can also describe a welcoming atmosphere.

Examples

1. 邻居们都很友好。 The neighbours are all very friendly.
2. 他对每个人都很友好。 He is friendly to everyone.
3. 两个国家保持着友好关系。 The two countries maintain friendly relations.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, social, diplomatic

Tone: warm

Do Say

• 这里的人都很友好。(The people here are all very friendly.)
• 我们要友好相处。(We should get along in a friendly way.)

Don't Say

• 这个菜很友好。(Don't use 友好 to describe food or objects — use it for people, attitudes, or relationships.)

Origin & History

Compound of 友 (friend) and 好 (good), literally 'friend-good' — having a good, friendly attitude.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal