朋友

péngyou

noun HSK 1 #166

Meanings

1 friend

Characters

friend; companion

Examples

他是我的好朋友。

Tā shì wǒ de hǎo péngyou.

He is my good friend.

我在中国有很多朋友。

Wǒ zài Zhōngguó yǒu hěn duō péngyou.

I have many friends in China.

我们是朋友。

Wǒmen shì péngyou.

We are friends.

Tips

history

朋 originally depicted two strings of cowrie shells (ancient currency), suggesting mutual exchange. 友 shows two hands reaching out together. Together they represent mutual support.

usage

男朋友 means boyfriend and 女朋友 means girlfriend.

Stroke Order

朋 péng

友 yǒu