伴侣
Traditional: 伴侶
bàn lǔ: HSK 6

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

狗是人类忠诚的伴侣。
Gǒu shì rénlèi zhōngchéng de bànlǚ.
Dogs are loyal companions to humans.
他们是最好的生活伴侣。
Tāmen shì zuì hǎo de shēnghuó bànlǚ.
They are the best life partners.
我的伴侣总是支持我的决定。
Wǒ de bànlǚ zǒngshì zhīchí wǒ de juédìng.
My companion always supports my decisions.
他是我的伴侣。
Tā shì wǒ de bànlǚ.
He is my partner.
伴侣很重要。
Bànlǚ hěn zhòngyào.
A companion is important.

💡 Memory Tip

Break down the characters: 伴 (bàn) means 'to accompany' or 'companion,' and 侣 (lǚ) means 'partner' or 'mate.' Think of it as 'accompanying partner' to remember its meaning of a close, supportive companion in life.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in formality and can be used in both spoken and written Chinese, though it is more common in written contexts or formal speech. It is often used in discussions about relationships, marriage, or personal connections, such as in phrases like '寻找伴侣' (to seek a partner) or '终身伴侣' (lifelong companion).

📖 Grammar Points

伴侣 is typically used as a noun and can function as a subject, object, or modifier in sentences. It often appears in structures like '作为...的伴侣' (as someone's companion) or with possessive pronouns, e.g., '我的伴侣' (my partner). It is not commonly used as a verb.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, 伴侣 carries a strong connotation of commitment and harmony, reflecting traditional values on relationships and family. It is often associated with the idea of a lifelong partner, and in modern usage, it can also refer to same-sex partners, though context may vary. The term '灵魂伴侣' (soulmate) is popular in contemporary discussions about love and compatibility.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to similar words: 朋友 (péngyou) means 'friend' and is more casual and broad; 伙伴 (huǒbàn) means 'partner' or 'buddy,' often in work or activity contexts, with less romantic connotation; 爱人 (àiren) specifically means 'spouse' or 'lover' and is more intimate. 伴侣 implies a deeper, often romantic commitment than 朋友 or 伙伴.

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