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B2 noun 10 min read

挚友

Examples Notes & Tips 挚友 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 挚友 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '挚友' yet, as it is quite formal. However, it is helpful to know that it is a 'level up' from the word '朋友' (péngyou), which means friend. If you see '挚友' in a simple book, just think of it as 'very, very good friend.' At this stage, focus on '好朋友' (hǎo péngyou) for your daily conversations. '挚友' is like a special, shiny version of 'friend' that people use when they want to be very serious or very kind. You might see it on a birthday card or in a story about two people who have been friends for 50 years. Remember: 朋友 is for everyone, but 挚友 is only for someone very special. If you want to impress a Chinese teacher, you could say '他是我的挚友,' but they might think you are very poetic for a beginner! The word is made of two parts: '挚' (sincere) and '友' (friend). Even if you can't write '挚' yet, recognizing the '友' part helps you know it's about friendship.
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By A2, you are starting to learn more adjectives and specific nouns. You might encounter '挚友' in reading passages about famous people or in letters of recommendation. While you should still mostly use '朋友' or '好朋友' in your speaking, '挚友' is a great word to recognize in writing. It helps you understand that the relationship being described is more than just casual. For example, if a story says '他们是挚友,' you know they trust each other a lot. You can start to use it in your own writing when you want to describe a 'best friend' in a more 'grown-up' way. It is pronounced 'zhìyǒu.' The first sound 'zhì' is a sharp, falling tone, which sounds very strong. The second sound 'yǒu' is the same as in '朋友.' Try to use it once in a short paragraph about your best friend to see how it feels. It adds a touch of class to your Chinese!
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At the B1 level, you are moving into intermediate territory where 'register' (how formal or informal you are) becomes important. '挚友' is a key word for this transition. You should understand that '挚友' is used in formal writing, speeches, and literature, whereas '哥们' (gēmen) or '闺蜜' (guīmì) are for casual talk. When you write an essay about 'My Best Friend,' using '挚友' instead of '好朋友' will make your writing look more professional and emotionally deep. You should also be able to distinguish '挚友' from '同事' (colleague) or '同学' (classmate). A classmate can become a '挚友' after many years. You might also start to see this word in news articles about international relations, where countries are called '挚友' to show a very strong diplomatic bond. Start practicing the use of '挚友' in your journals or when writing formal emails to mentors or old friends.
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B2 is the target level for '挚友.' At this stage, you are expected to use the word naturally and understand its deep cultural connotations. You should know that '挚友' implies a level of sincerity (挚) that is rare. You can use it to describe long-term relationships and understand the difference between this and '知己' (a soulmate who understands you perfectly). In B2 exams, you might be asked to choose between '挚友,' '伙伴,' and '熟人.' You should know that '熟人' is just an acquaintance, '伙伴' is a partner (often for a specific task), and '挚友' is the only one that describes a deep, emotional, lifelong bond. You should also be comfortable using it in the phrase '结为挚友' (to become close friends). Your ability to use such a high-register word appropriately in both speaking (during formal presentations) and writing is a hallmark of a B2 learner.
For C1 learners, '挚友' is a word you should not only use but also be able to discuss philosophically. You should understand its etymology—how the character '挚' relates to sincerity and ancient gift-giving rituals. You should be able to identify '挚友' in classical literature and understand how it relates to the Confucian concept of '信' (trust/reliability). At this level, you can use '挚友' to contrast with more modern, fleeting social connections. You might explore the nuance between '挚友' and '莫逆之交' (a friendship with no discord). In a C1 level discussion about social media, you could argue whether having hundreds of 'friends' on Facebook diminishes the true meaning of being a '挚友.' Your usage should be flawless, and you should be able to use it in complex sentence structures, such as '纵使时光流逝，我们依然是彼此生命中不可或缺的挚友' (Even as time passes, we remain indispensable close friends in each other's lives).
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At the C2 level, '挚友' is part of your sophisticated vocabulary toolkit. You use it with the same ease as a native speaker, often in literary or highly formal contexts. You might use it when translating English literature into Chinese, choosing '挚友' to translate 'bosom friend' or 'intimate companion' to capture the right emotional weight. You understand the subtle play between '挚友' and other synonymous terms like '忘年之交' or '生死之交.' You can appreciate the word's usage in historical documents, such as letters between famous scholars or politicians. At this level, you might even use the word ironically or metaphorically in a sophisticated speech. You have a deep grasp of the 'heart' (心) radical's influence on the word's meaning and can use it to evoke a sense of traditional Chinese values in your own high-level writing and oratory.
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Examples Notes & Tips

挚友 in 30 Seconds

  • 挚友 (zhìyǒu) means a sincere and close friend. It is more formal and emotionally deeper than the common word 朋友 (péngyou).
  • The word combines 'sincerity' (挚) with 'friend' (友). It is often used in literature, formal speeches, and heartfelt letters to describe a soulmate-level bond.
  • It is gender-neutral and implies a long-term, trusted relationship. It is rarely used for casual acquaintances or people you have just met.
  • Commonly paired with '多年' (many years) or '终生' (lifelong), it represents the gold standard of platonic loyalty in Chinese culture.

The term 挚友 (zhìyǒu) represents one of the highest levels of friendship in the Chinese linguistic and cultural landscape. While the common word for friend is 朋友 (péngyou), 挚友 elevates the relationship to a level of profound sincerity, deep-seated trust, and emotional intimacy. The first character, 挚 (zhì), historically refers to a gift given when meeting someone for the first time to show sincerity, but its primary meaning evolved to signify 'earnest,' 'sincere,' or 'devoted.' When combined with 友 (yǒu), meaning friend, it creates a term that describes a 'bosom friend' or a 'soulmate' in a platonic sense. This is not a word you use for someone you just met at a networking event or a casual acquaintance you see at the gym. It is reserved for those rare individuals who have stood the test of time, shared your deepest secrets, and supported you through life's most challenging tribulations.

Register and Tone
This word carries a formal and literary weight. You will find it frequently in written correspondence, formal speeches, literature, and heartfelt social media tributes. It sounds more sophisticated and emotionally grounded than '好朋友' (hǎo péngyou - good friend). Using it shows a high level of respect for the bond you share.
Emotional Depth
The 'heart' radical (心) is often associated with the character 挚 in its conceptual roots, implying that the friendship is not just a social contract but a connection of the hearts. It suggests a lack of pretense and a total transparency between two people.

在他最困难的时候，只有他的挚友一直陪在他身边。 (During his most difficult times, only his close friend stayed by his side.)

In contemporary China, while the language is becoming more casual, 挚友 remains a staple in graduation speeches, wedding toasts, and eulogies. It bridges the gap between the mundane and the spiritual. If you call someone your 挚友, you are publicly acknowledging that they are a significant part of your identity. It is often used in the phrase '人生得一挚友足矣' (To have one true close friend in life is enough), which reflects the traditional Chinese value that quality of friendship far outweighs quantity.

To understand 挚友, one must look at the historical context of Chinese brotherhood and sisterhood. In classical literature, such as the stories of Guan Zhong and Bao Shuya, the concept of a friend who knows your heart (知己) is often synonymous with 挚友. It implies a level of sacrifice and mutual understanding that transcends mere companionship. When you use this word, you are tapping into a thousands-year-old tradition of valuing loyalty (义) and sincerity (诚).

这封信是写给我远在海外的挚友的。 (This letter is written to my close friend who is far away overseas.)

Using 挚友 (zhìyǒu) correctly requires an understanding of its syntax and the contexts that justify its heavy emotional weight. As a noun, it typically functions as the object of a sentence or as part of a possessive phrase. However, unlike common nouns, it is rarely used with simple classifiers like '一个' (yī gè) in formal writing; instead, it often stands alone or is preceded by possessive pronouns like '我的' (wǒ de) or '他的' (tā de).

Pattern 1: [Possessive] + 挚友
This is the most common way to identify someone. Example: '他是我的多年挚友' (He is my close friend of many years). The addition of '多年' (many years) or '终生' (lifelong) often accompanies 挚友 to emphasize the duration of the bond.
Pattern 2: [Subject] 与 [Person] 结为挚友
This formal structure means 'to become close friends with someone.' It is often used in biographies or news reports. Example: '两位艺术家在巴黎结为挚友' (The two artists became close friends in Paris).

真正的挚友，不仅能分享你的快乐，更能分担你的痛苦。 (A true close friend can not only share your joy but also share your pain.)

When constructing sentences, remember that 挚友 is almost never used in a negative sense. You wouldn't say 'he is my bad 挚友.' The word itself implies goodness and virtue. If a friendship fails, the person ceases to be a 挚友. Furthermore, the word is gender-neutral. It can refer to a male friend, a female friend, or a friend of any gender identity, though for specific female-to-female close friendships, '闺蜜' (guīmì) is a more common informal alternative, while 挚友 remains the formal choice.

In business contexts, 挚友 can be used metaphorically to describe a long-term, trusted partner or even a brand's relationship with its loyal customers, though this is rare and usually reserved for high-end branding that wants to evoke a sense of deep loyalty. For students of Chinese, using this word in an essay about friendship will immediately signal a B2 or higher level of proficiency because it demonstrates an appreciation for the nuances of interpersonal registers.

我们虽然多年未见，但依然视彼此为挚友。 (Although we haven't seen each other for years, we still regard each other as close friends.)

You are unlikely to hear 挚友 (zhìyǒu) in a noisy bar or during a casual game of basketball. In those settings, '哥们' (gēmen - bro) or '兄弟' (xiōngdì - brother) are the standard. Instead, 挚友 appears in moments of reflection and ceremony. If you are watching a Chinese drama (C-drama) set in the modern era, a character might use this word during a heartfelt rooftop conversation or while writing a diary entry. In historical dramas (Wuxia or Xianxia), 挚友 is used to describe the bond between two warriors who would die for each other.

Public Speeches
When a CEO retires or a professor is honored, they often thank their '同行与挚友' (colleagues and close friends). Here, the word provides a professional yet deeply personal touch, acknowledging that some professional relationships have evolved into lifelong bonds.
Literature and Poetry
Contemporary Chinese novels use 挚友 to establish the depth of a secondary character's loyalty to the protagonist. It serves as a narrative shorthand for 'this person is trustworthy.'

在我的婚礼上，我的挚友发表了一段感人的讲话。 (At my wedding, my close friend gave a moving speech.)

On social media platforms like WeChat or Weibo, 挚友 is used in captions for photos that commemorate long-term milestones—ten-year reunions, shared travels, or supporting each other through major life changes like marriage or parenthood. It is a way of 'tagging' a relationship with a status of permanence. Interestingly, some apps have used '挚友' to describe 'Close Friends' lists (similar to Instagram), though '亲密朋友' is also used. However, the choice of 挚友 in an interface design usually signals a more elegant, high-end user experience.

In news broadcasts, especially when reporting on the death of a prominent figure, the reporter might say, '他的离去让无数挚友感到悲痛' (His passing has brought grief to countless close friends). In this context, the word adds a layer of dignity to the mourning process. It elevates the social circle of the deceased to a group of people bound by genuine affection rather than just social utility.

他们不仅是事业上的伙伴，更是生活中的挚友。 (They are not only partners in career but also close friends in life.)

While 挚友 (zhìyǒu) is a beautiful word, its misuse can lead to social awkwardness or a lack of linguistic precision. The most common mistake learners make is overusing it in casual contexts. Calling a person you just met at a party your 挚友 might make you seem overly intense or even insincere, as the word implies a history that hasn't happened yet.

Mistake 1: Confusing with '朋友'
Learners often use 挚友 where '朋友' would suffice. If you're talking about a group of people you hang out with on weekends, '朋友们' is correct. 挚友 is singular in focus, even if you have more than one. It refers to the quality of the bond, not the social category.
Mistake 2: Incorrect Measure Words
Using casual measure words like '个' (gè) with 挚友 can sometimes diminish its formality. While '一个挚友' is grammatically correct, in formal writing, '一位挚友' (yī wèi zhìyǒu) is much more appropriate as '位' is the respectful measure word for people.

错误：他在聚会上认识了很多挚友。 (Incorrect: He met many close friends at the party.)
正确：他在聚会上认识了很多新朋友。 (Correct: He met many new friends at the party.)

Another mistake involves the 'gender' of the word. While 挚友 is neutral, some learners mistakenly think it only applies to men because of the historical association with brotherhood. This is not true; women can and do use 挚友 to describe their closest female or male friends. However, don't confuse it with '情侣' (qínglǚ - lovers). 挚友 specifically excludes romantic involvement. If you call your boyfriend your 挚友, it might imply that the romantic spark is gone and you are 'just friends,' albeit very close ones.

Finally, be careful with the pronunciation. The character '挚' (zhì) is often misread as '执' (zhí) by beginners. While they look similar, '执' means 'to hold' or 'to execute,' and '执友' is not a word. Ensure you use the fourth tone to give the word its proper gravitas.

他是我唯一的挚友。 (He is my only close friend.) — Note: This is a very strong statement, implying a unique bond.

Chinese has a rich vocabulary for interpersonal relationships. Understanding where 挚友 (zhìyǒu) sits among its synonyms will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most direct comparison is with '知己' (zhījǐ), '闺蜜' (guīmì), and '死党' (sǐdǎng).

挚友 vs. 知己 (zhījǐ)
While both mean 'close friend,' 知己 literally means 'one who knows oneself.' It emphasizes intellectual and spiritual resonance—a person who understands your thoughts without you having to speak. 挚友 emphasizes the sincerity and the strength of the bond itself. You can have a 挚友 who doesn't always 'get' your complex philosophy, but who will always be there for you.
挚友 vs. 闺蜜 (guīmì)
闺蜜 is informal and specifically refers to a woman's close female friends (originally 'the secrets of the boudoir'). It implies sharing fashion tips, dating gossip, and daily life. 挚友 is the formal, gender-neutral version of this depth of friendship.
挚友 vs. 死党 (sǐdǎng)
死党 (literally 'death party/clique') is slang for 'besties' or 'ride-or-die' friends. It is used mostly by young people. Calling someone your 死党 is cool and casual; calling them your 挚友 is respectful and profound.

虽然他是我的死党，但在这种正式场合，我还是称他为我的挚友。 (Even though he is my 'bestie,' in this formal occasion, I still call him my close friend.)

Other alternatives include '莫逆之交' (mò nì zhī jiāo), a four-character idiom (chengyu) for a friendship where there is no disagreement, and '忘年交' (wàng nián jiāo), which refers to a close friendship between people of vastly different ages. 挚友 remains the most versatile high-level term that fits almost any serious context.

In summary, 挚友 is the 'gold standard' for describing a deep friendship in Chinese. It conveys a level of maturity and permanence that other words lack. Whether you are reading a classic novel or writing a graduation message, recognizing the weight of this word will allow you to navigate Chinese social relationships with much greater sensitivity and accuracy.

Fun Fact

In ancient times, a '挚' was actually a small bird or animal (like a pheasant or a lamb) that people would bring as a gift when meeting for the first time to prove their status and sincerity. This 'sincerity' eventually moved from the gift to the person's heart.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tʃiː joʊ/
US /tʃi joʊ/
Primary stress is on the first syllable 'zhì' (挚).
Rhymes With
意由 (yì yóu) 气由 (qì yóu) 细由 (xì yóu) 利由 (lì yóu) 计由 (jì yóu) 地由 (dì yóu) 毕由 (bì yóu) 继由 (jì yóu)
Common Errors
  • Reading 'zhì' as 'zhí' (second tone).
  • Confusing the character '挚' (zhì) with '执' (zhí).
  • Failing to dip the third tone in 'yǒu'.
  • Pronouncing 'zh' like a soft 'j' instead of a retroflex 'zh'.
  • Mixing up the 'y' sound in 'yǒu' with a 'w' sound.
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Examples by Level

1

他是我的好朋友，也是我的挚友。

He is my good friend, and also my close friend.

Uses '也是' to connect two descriptions.

2

我有两个挚友。

I have two close friends.

Simple count with measure word '个' (though '位' is better).

3

我的挚友在北京。

My close friend is in Beijing.

Possessive '我的' plus '挚友'.

4

挚友很重要。

Close friends are very important.

Abstract subject '挚友'.

5

谢谢你，我的挚友。

Thank you, my close friend.

Direct address.

6

王先生是我的挚友。

Mr. Wang is my close friend.

Standard A is B structure.

7

我们是挚友。

We are close friends.

Plural subject.

8

挚友不常有。

Close friends don't come often.

Negative '不' with '常有'.

1

我和他是多年的挚友。

He and I are close friends of many years.

Adding '多年' (many years) as a modifier.

2

在学校，我找到了我的挚友。

In school, I found my close friend.

Verb '找到' (found) indicating the start of a friendship.

3

这是一封写给挚友的信。

This is a letter written to a close friend.

Using '写给...的' as an adjective phrase.

4

他是我的挚友，我信任他。

He is my close friend; I trust him.

Connecting two related clauses.

5

我的挚友喜欢喝茶。

My close friend likes to drink tea.

Simple subject-verb-object.

6

虽然我们不常见面，但我们依然是挚友。

Although we don't meet often, we are still close friends.

Using '虽然...但...' structure.

7

我希望能成为你的挚友。

I hope to become your close friend.

Verb '成为' (to become).

8

我的挚友总是帮助我。

My close friend always helps me.

Adverb '总是' (always).

1

在人生的旅途中，挚友是最好的伴侣。

On the journey of life, a close friend is the best companion.

Metaphorical use of '旅途' (journey).

2

真正的挚友会在你失败时支持你。

True close friends will support you when you fail.

Conditional '...时' (when).

3

他是我在大学时代结识的挚友。

He is a close friend I met during my university days.

Relative clause '在大学时代结识的'.

4

我们不仅是同事，更是志同道合的挚友。

We are not only colleagues but also close friends with shared ambitions.

Using '不仅...更是...' for emphasis.

5

挚友之间的情谊是金钱买不到的。

The friendship between close friends cannot be bought with money.

Abstract noun phrase '挚友之间的情谊'.

6

他向他的挚友倾诉了所有的烦恼。

He poured out all his worries to his close friend.

Verb '倾诉' (to pour out/confide).

7

这位挚友给了我面对困难的勇气。

This close friend gave me the courage to face difficulties.

Subject-Verb-Indirect Object-Direct Object.

8

我非常珍惜这段挚友关系。

I cherish this close friendship very much.

Verb '珍惜' (to cherish).

1

人生得一挚友足矣，斯世当以同怀视之。

To have one close friend in life is enough; one should treat them as a kindred spirit.

Classical Chinese influence in a modern context.

2

他们两人性格迥异，却能成为终生挚友。

The two of them have very different personalities, yet they became lifelong close friends.

Contrast using '迥异' (vastly different) and '却' (but).

3

他在悼词中深情地怀念了他的挚友。

He affectionately remembered his close friend in the eulogy.

Formal vocabulary: '悼词' (eulogy) and '怀念' (remember).

4

作为挚友，我有责任指出你的错误。

As a close friend, I have the responsibility to point out your mistakes.

Using '作为' (as/in the capacity of).

5

这种深厚的挚友之情是经得起时间考验的。

This deep close friendship can withstand the test of time.

Phrase '经得起...考验' (withstand the test of...).

6

他视那位老师为亦师亦友的挚友。

He regards that teacher as a close friend who is both a mentor and a friend.

Four-character structure '亦师亦友'.

7

挚友的离去给他留下了难以磨灭的伤痛。

The passing of his close friend left him with an indelible pain.

Formal adjective '难以磨灭' (indelible).

8

在那个动荡的年代，他们是彼此唯一的挚友。

In those turbulent years, they were each other's only close friends.

Setting the scene with '在...年代'.

1

真正的挚友往往能够洞察你内心深处最隐秘的忧伤。

True close friends are often able to perceive the most secret sorrows deep within your heart.

High-level verbs: '洞察' (perceive/insight) and '隐秘' (secret).

2

他与那位作家的结为挚友，源于他们对文学共同的执着。

His becoming close friends with that writer stemmed from their shared dedication to literature.

Structure '源于' (stem from/originate from).

3

挚友之间无需多言，一个眼神便能传达万千思绪。

Between close friends, many words are unnecessary; a single glance can convey a thousand thoughts.

Using '无需' (no need) and '便能' (then can).

4

在名利的诱惑面前，他依然选择了坚守与挚友的诺言。

In the face of the temptation of fame and fortune, he still chose to uphold his promise to his close friend.

Contrast between '名利' and '诺言'.

5

这种跨越国界的挚友关系，成为了两国交流的佳话。

This cross-border close friendship has become a celebrated story of exchange between the two countries.

Noun '佳话' (celebrated story/tale).

6

他将这位挚友视为生命中最重要的财富。

He regards this close friend as the most important wealth in his life.

Metaphor '财富' (wealth).

7

挚友的直言不讳虽然刺耳，但对他而言却是良药。

The close friend's frankness was harsh to the ear, but for him, it was a good medicine.

Idiom '直言不讳' (frank/outspoken) and metaphor '良药' (good medicine).

8

岁月虽然可以改变容颜，却无法冲淡挚友间的情谊。

Although years can change one's appearance, they cannot dilute the friendship between close friends.

Verb '冲淡' (dilute/wash away).

1

挚友之交，贵在知心，而非流于表面的寒暄与客套。

The essence of close friendship lies in mutual understanding, not in superficial pleasantries and formalities.

Classical phrasing '贵在' (the value lies in).

2

他那篇悼念挚友的文章，字里行间流露出无尽的哀思。

That article of his mourning a close friend exuded endless grief between the lines.

Idiom '字里行间' (between the lines).

3

即便处境艰难，他亦未曾对挚友有过半点怨言。

Even in difficult circumstances, he never had even a hint of complaint toward his close friend.

Literary particle '亦' (also/even) and '未曾' (never).

4

挚友如镜，不仅映照出你的光芒，也折射出你的瑕疵。

A close friend is like a mirror, reflecting not only your brilliance but also your flaws.

Sophisticated metaphor '如镜' (like a mirror).

5

他在晚年的回忆录中，详尽地记述了与几位挚友的切磋琢磨。

In his late-year memoirs, he recorded in detail the mutual learning and refinement with several close friends.

Idiom '切磋琢磨' (mutual learning and improvement).

6

这份挚友之情，早已超越了血缘的羁绊。

This close friendship has long since transcended the bonds of blood.

Formal noun '羁绊' (fetters/bonds).

7

纵观其一生，唯有这位挚友始终与其患难与共。

Looking back at his whole life, only this close friend stood by him through thick and thin from beginning to end.

Formal adverb '纵观' and idiom '患难与共'.

8

挚友的存在，使得他在孤独的学术荒原上找到了慰藉。

The existence of a close friend allowed him to find solace in the lonely wasteland of academia.

Metaphorical '学术荒原' (academic wasteland).

Common Collocations

多年挚友
终生挚友
结为挚友
亲密挚友
视如挚友
昔日挚友
远方挚友
文坛挚友
生前挚友
唯一挚友

Common Phrases

挚友如亲

— A close friend is like family. Used to describe the depth of the bond.

我们相处多年，早已挚友如亲。

患难挚友

— A close friend through thick and thin. Used specifically for those who helped during hard times.

他是我的患难挚友。

挚友难寻

— True close friends are hard to find. A common sentiment in Chinese culture.

在这个世界上，挚友难寻。

诚交挚友

— To make close friends with sincerity. Often used in social contexts or introductions.

我来这里是为了诚交挚友。

深情挚友

— A close friend with deep affection. Used in very emotional contexts.

致我最深情的挚友。

忘年挚友

— A close friend with a large age gap. Shows that friendship transcends age.

虽然他比我大二十岁，但他是我的忘年挚友。

一生挚友

— A lifelong close friend. Emphasizes the duration of the bond.

你是我的一生挚友。

海外挚友

— A close friend living abroad. Common in the context of international letters or visits.

欢迎我的海外挚友回国。

肝胆挚友

— A friend who is completely loyal (literally 'liver and gallbladder'). High emotional weight.

他是我的肝胆挚友。

知心挚友

— A close friend who knows your heart. Combines 知心 and 挚友.

我只想找一个知心挚友。

Idioms & Expressions

"莫逆之交"

— A friendship where hearts are in perfect agreement. Very formal.

他们两人可谓是莫逆之交。

Literary
"生死之交"

— A friendship where one would die for the other. Very strong.

我们是过命的生死之交。

Formal
"患难与共"

— To share trials and tribulations together. Often used to describe what 挚友 do.

挚友就应该患难与共。

Neutral
"管鲍之交"

— Refers to the famous friendship between Guan Zhong and Bao Shuya. The ultimate standard of friendship.

他们的情谊堪称管鲍之交。

Literary
"伯牙绝弦"

— Refers to Bo Ya breaking his zither strings because his only 'soulmate' friend died. High level.

失去挚友后的他，如同伯牙绝弦。

Literary
"肝胆相照"

— To treat each other with total sincerity and loyalty.

挚友之间应当肝胆相照。

Formal
"志同道合"

— To have common goals and paths. Often the basis for being a 挚友.

我们是志同道合的挚友。

Neutral
"情同手足"

— As close as brothers (literally 'hands and feet').

他们虽非亲生，却情同手足。

Neutral
"金石之交"

— A friendship as solid as metal and stone.

两人的金石之交令人羡慕。

Literary
"推心置腹"

— To treat someone with total sincerity, as if taking out one's heart.

他对我推心置腹，真乃挚友也。

Formal

Word Family

Nouns

友谊 (friendship)
友情 (friendship/affection)
友好 (friendliness)

Verbs

交友 (to make friends)
友爱 (to love as friends)

Adjectives

真挚 (sincere/earnest)
诚挚 (sincere)

Related

知己
伙伴
盟友
战友
室友
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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine '挚' (zhì) as someone holding (执) their heart (implied in the sincerity) in their hand to give to a '友' (yǒu - friend). A 挚友 is a friend you give your whole heart to.

Visual Association

Visualize two old friends sitting together under a tree, sharing a single umbrella in the rain. This represents the 'sincere' (挚) protection and 'friendship' (友) the word implies.

Word Web

朋友 (friend) 知己 (soulmate) 真诚 (sincere) 信任 (trust) 忠诚 (loyalty) 深厚 (deep) 感情 (emotion) 一生 (lifelong)

Word Origin

The character '挚' (zhì) originally consisted of '执' (to hold) and '手' (hand), though it later evolved to include the heart radical or was associated with sincere gifts (birds/animals) held when meeting superiors. In the 'Book of Rites' (礼记), it refers to the sincerity one brings to a relationship.

Original meaning: Sincere, earnest, or a gift given as a token of sincerity.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese).
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Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

친하다 Korean
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