友谊

• Pinyin: yǒu yì
• Hanzi breakdown: 友 = two hands reaching together, symbolizing friendship; 谊 = 讠 + 宜, appropriate speech/connection

Meaning

Friendship. The emotional bond and mutual affection between friends.

A slightly formal word for friendship, often used in diplomatic, literary, or ceremonial contexts. More formal than 友情. Common collocations: 友谊赛 (friendly match), 友谊万岁 (long live friendship), 深厚的友谊 (deep friendship).

Examples

1. 我们的友谊已经持续了二十多年。 Our friendship has lasted for more than twenty years.
2. 两国人民之间建立了深厚的友谊。 A deep friendship has been established between the peoples of the two countries.
3. 真正的友谊是经得起时间考验的。 True friendship can withstand the test of time.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, diplomacy, ceremonies

Tone: warm

Do Say

• 珍惜我们的友谊。(Cherish our friendship.)
• 让我们为友谊干杯！(Let's toast to friendship!)

Don't Say

• 我和他有友谊 (Slightly awkward — say 我和他之间有深厚的友谊 or use 友情 in casual speech)

Origin & History

Compound of 友 (friend) and 谊 (friendship, connection). 谊 adds formal gravitas to the concept.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal