相伴

• Pinyin: xiāng bàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 相 = 木 + 目 (tree and eye — looking at each other); 伴 = 人 + 半 (a person by one's side)

Meaning

To accompany each other; to be together; to keep each other company.

Suggests mutual companionship with an emotional or literary quality. Used in contexts of lifelong partnership, friendship, or describing two things that naturally coexist. More poetic than 陪伴.

Examples

1. 他们相伴走过了半个多世纪，感情至今依旧深厚如初。 They have walked through more than half a century together, and their bond is still as deep as ever.
2. 书籍与他相伴多年，让他在孤独的岁月中得到了极大的慰藉。 Books kept him company for many years, giving him great comfort through lonely times.
3. 苦与乐总是相伴而行，这才是真实而完整的人生。 Hardship and joy always go hand in hand—that’s what makes life real and complete.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, literature, emotions

Tone: warm/poetic

Do Say

• 愿余生与你相伴，携手共度每一段风雨与晴天。(May we accompany each other for the rest of our lives, hand in hand through every storm and every sunny day.)
• 音乐与她相伴了整整一生，给予了她无尽的力量与慰藉。(Music accompanied her throughout her entire life, giving her endless strength and solace.)

Don't Say

• 我相伴了他去超市 — use 陪他去 or 跟他一起去 for practical accompaniment; 相伴 carries a literary and emotional tone

Origin & History

相 (mutually/each other) + 伴 (companion/accompany) — to be companions to each other

Cultural Context

Era: Traditional/Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal