友

A bond of mutual assistance or cooperation, emphasizing functional reciprocity and reliability over emotional affinity. In political or military contexts, it denotes a strategic alliance or fraternity.

• Noun: A friend, companion, or ally.
• Verb: To associate with, to be friendly toward, or to form an alliance with. In predicate positions, this often refers to the act of establishing a bond rather than the status of the relationship.

• vs. 朋: Early texts frequently distinguish these; 朋 typically refers to peers (those of the same rank, profession, or school), while 友 implies a specific, chosen bond characterized by mutual commitment and loyalty.
• vs. 伴/侣: Unlike 伴 (a physical companion) or 侣 (a partner), 友 carries a weight of social or moral obligation and reciprocal duty.

Graphically represented by two joined hands.

Avoid projecting modern sentimental notions of "friendship" onto the text. Focus instead on reciprocity: a 友 is someone who can be relied upon to act in concert with another.