同伴

• Pinyin: tóng bàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 同 = 冂 + 口 + 一 — together; 伴 = 亻 + 半 — companion

Meaning

Companion; partner; fellow traveler.

Someone who accompanies you on a journey, activity, or through life. Can be a travel companion, playmate, or life partner. Emphasizes being together rather than closeness of relationship.

Examples

1. 独自旅行固然自由，但有个同伴一起分享风景也挺好的。 Traveling alone is certainly freeing, but it's also nice to have a companion to share the scenery with.
2. 童年的玩伴是最纯真的同伴，可惜长大后大家都散了。 Childhood playmates are the most innocent companions — it's a pity everyone drifts apart when they grow up.
3. 创业路上有志同道合的同伴，会走得更远。 Having like-minded companions on your entrepreneurial journey will take you further.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, relationships, activities

Tone: warm

Do Say

• 旅行同伴。(Travel companion.)
• 找个同伴。(Find a companion.)

Don't Say

• 用'同伴'称呼正式的商业伙伴 (同伴 implies personal companionship — for business partners, use 合作伙伴 or 合伙人)

Origin & History

同 means together/same, 伴 means companion — a companion who is together with you.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal