伴

• Pinyin: bàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 伴 = 亻(person) + 半 (half, phonetic)

Meaning

To accompany; companion; partner.

Can function as both a verb (to accompany) and a noun (companion). Used in various compounds: 伙伴 (partner), 陪伴 (to keep company), 同伴 (companion). Implies being together with someone.

Examples

1. 他陪伴父母度过了最后的时光。 He accompanied his parents through their final days.
2. 这只狗是她多年的忠实伙伴。 This dog has been her loyal companion for many years.
3. 旅途中有好友相伴，一点也不觉得无聊。 With good friends as companions on the journey, it doesn't feel boring at all.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, companionship

Tone: warm

Do Say

• 谢谢你一路相伴。(Thank you for accompanying me all the way.)
• 他是我的终身伴侣。(He is my life partner.)

Don't Say

• 对完全没有陪伴关系的人用'伴' (Don't use 伴 for people with no companionship relationship)

Origin & History

Pictophonetic: 亻(person) + 半 (half). Two halves making a whole, i.e., companions.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal