亲友

• Pinyin: qīn yǒu
• Hanzi breakdown: 亲 = 立 + 木 + 见 (relatives/close); 友 = 又 + 丿 (friend)

Meaning

Relatives and friends; one's close circle of family and companions.

A concise alternative to 亲朋好友, often preferred in formal or written contexts. Appears frequently in obituaries, wedding announcements, and formal invitations. Collectively refers to those with whom one shares bonds of kinship or close friendship.

Examples

1. 他病重期间，亲友们轮流前来探视，关怀备至。 During his serious illness, relatives and friends took turns visiting him and showed him great care.
2. 婚礼现场，众多亲友为新人送上了真诚而热烈的祝福。 At the wedding, many relatives and friends offered the newlyweds sincere and enthusiastic congratulations.
3. 搬迁之前，他设宴款待了多年来一路支持自己的亲友。 Before moving, he hosted a dinner to thank the relatives and friends who had supported him all these years.

Usage Guide

Context: social, formal writing, events

Tone: warm

Do Say

• 他退休后，将大部分时间用于陪伴亲友，尽享天伦之乐。(After retiring, he devoted most of his time to accompanying relatives and friends, enjoying the warmth of family life.)
• 请亲友们于婚礼当天提早到场，以便工作人员安排入席。(Relatives and friends are kindly asked to arrive early on the wedding day so that staff can arrange seating.)

Don't Say

• 我的亲友都是陌生人 — contradictory; 亲友 by definition refers to people you are close to, not strangers

Origin & History

亲 (relatives) + 友 (friends) — relatives and companions together

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal