伙伴

• Pinyin: huǒ bàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 伙 = 亻(person) + 火 (fire) — people gathered together; 伴 = 亻(person) + 半 (half) — one's other half, a companion

Meaning

Partner; companion; mate. A person who shares an activity, journey, or relationship with another.

Used broadly for various types of companions: playmates (玩伴/小伙伴), business partners (合作伙伴), life partners, or teammates. Very common in both formal and informal contexts. 小伙伴 is a trendy term among young people meaning 'friends' or 'buddies.' Common in business for 合作伙伴 (cooperation partner).

Examples

1. 他是我从小一起长大的伙伴。 He is a companion I grew up with since childhood.
2. 我们公司正在寻找新的合作伙伴。 Our company is looking for new business partners.
3. 小伙伴们，明天一起去爬山吧！ Friends, let's go hiking together tomorrow!

Usage Guide

Context: social, business, everyday

Tone: friendly

Do Say

• 他是我最好的伙伴。(He is my best companion.)
• 我们需要找一个可靠的合作伙伴。(We need to find a reliable business partner.)

Don't Say

• 他是我的伙伴老婆 (Don't use 伙伴 for spouse — use 丈夫, 妻子, or 爱人; 伙伴 means friend or business partner, not romantic partner)

Origin & History

伙 (huǒ, group/companion) + 伴 (bàn, companion) — a synonym compound where both characters mean companion, emphasising partnership.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal