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A1 verb 9 min read

陪伴

peiban

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 陪伴 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 陪伴 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should understand '陪伴' (péibàn) as a way to say 'to be with someone' in a caring way. It is most commonly used when talking about family and pets. Think of it as 'keeping someone company.' For example, when you stay at home with your grandmother so she isn't lonely, you are '陪伴' her. It is a very positive and warm word. You might see it in simple stories about children and their parents. The grammar is simple: [Person A] 陪伴 [Person B].

At the A2 level, you can start using '陪伴' to describe your daily life and routines. You might talk about how your dog '陪伴' you every day, or how you '陪伴' your friends when they are sad. You should also recognize it as a noun, meaning 'companionship.' For example, 'I need companionship' is '我需要陪伴.' You will notice it often appears with the word '身边' (shēnbiān - by one's side), as in '陪伴在他身边.'

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '陪伴' in more abstract contexts. For instance, you can say that a hobby or a book '陪伴' you through a difficult time. You should distinguish '陪伴' from '陪' (casual) and '陪同' (formal). You will encounter this word in songs and movies, often related to themes of long-term loyalty and love. You can start using it to express gratitude, such as '谢谢你的陪伴' (Thank you for your companionship).

At the B2 level, you should understand the social implications of '陪伴' in Chinese society. This includes topics like 'left-behind children' or the 'lonely elderly' who lack '陪伴.' You can use the word to discuss social issues or psychological well-being. You should be comfortable using it in complex sentences, such as '无论发生什么，我都会陪伴你度过难关' (No matter what happens, I will accompany you through the difficulties). You also start to see its use in advertising and branding.

At the C1 level, you can appreciate the literary and philosophical nuances of '陪伴.' You might use it in essays to describe the relationship between an artist and their craft, or the way history 'accompanies' the present. You should be able to use related idioms and formal variations like '相伴' or '伴随' accurately. You understand how the word functions as a core cultural value in the context of 'Xiao' (filial piety) and how it differs from Western concepts of 'spending time.'

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of '陪伴.' You can use it to articulate complex emotional states or use it metaphorically in high-level literature or academic writing. You understand its etymological roots and can discuss how the meaning has evolved from physical structures (陪) to emotional states. You can detect subtle ironies in its use, such as '陪伴式教育' (companionship-style education) and critique its role in modern psychology and social structures in China.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

陪伴 in 30 Seconds

陪伴 (péibàn) is a warm, emotional verb meaning 'to keep company' or 'to accompany' someone to provide comfort.
It is commonly used for family, friends, and pets, emphasizing the quality and meaning of the time spent together.
Grammatically, it functions as both a verb (Subject + 陪伴 + Object) and a noun (meaning 'companionship').
It differs from the formal '陪同' (escort) and the casual '陪' (go with), carrying a much deeper sense of care.

The Chinese word 陪伴 (péibàn) is a deeply evocative verb that translates to 'to accompany' or 'to keep company.' However, unlike the English word 'accompany,' which can sometimes feel clinical or purely physical (like a document accompanying a letter), 陪伴 carries a profound emotional weight. It implies a sense of presence, care, and temporal commitment. When you 陪伴 someone, you aren't just physically near them; you are sharing your time and spirit with them to alleviate loneliness or provide support. It is a word rooted in the idea of 'being there' for another person through various stages of life. In modern Chinese discourse, 陪伴 is often described as the 'most sincere expression of love' (最长情的告白). It is used across all levels of relationships: parents accompanying children as they grow, friends staying by each other's side during heartbreaks, and even the loyal presence of a pet. The first character, 陪 (péi), originally referred to a secondary wall or a mound, suggesting a supportive structure that stands alongside the main entity. The second character, 伴 (bàn), consists of the 'person' radical and the 'half' component, suggesting that a companion is like your other half. Together, they form a word that defines the essence of human connection.

Emotional Presence: 陪伴 is not just about the act of going somewhere together (which would be 陪同); it is about the quality of the time spent. It emphasizes the emotional bond and the comfort derived from another's presence.
Temporal Aspect: The word often implies a duration of time. You don't just 陪伴 for a second; you 陪伴 someone through a difficult night, a long illness, or a childhood.
Subjectivity: The subject of 陪伴 is usually a person or a sentient being (like a dog), and the object is almost always a person who needs support or whose company is valued.

在他生病的日子里，妻子一直陪伴在他身边。(During the days he was ill, his wife was always by his side, keeping him company.)

In a fast-paced digital age, 陪伴 has become a buzzword in China, reflecting a societal longing for genuine human interaction over material gifts. You will see it in advertising for elder care, children's toys, and even AI assistants, all promising the 'warmth of companionship.' It is a versatile word that scales from the intimate (lovers) to the social (volunteering at an orphanage). When you use 陪伴, you are signaling that the act of being present is a conscious choice made out of affection or duty.

最好的教育就是家长的陪伴。(The best education is the companionship of parents.)

Usage in Literature: Poets often use 陪伴 to describe the moon accompanying a lonely traveler or the stars accompanying the night sky, personifying nature to reflect human loneliness.

Using 陪伴 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. It functions primarily as a verb, but it can also act as a noun (companionship). Unlike simpler verbs like 'go' or 'eat,' 陪伴 often takes a direct object that is the recipient of the attention. The most common structure is Subject + 陪伴 + Object. For example, '我陪伴奶奶' (I keep my grandmother company). To make it more natural, Chinese speakers frequently add a locational phrase: Subject + 陪伴在 + Object + 身边 (Subject accompanies at Object's side). This emphasizes physical proximity and the protective or supportive nature of the act.

这些书陪伴我度过了孤独的童年。(These books accompanied me through a lonely childhood.)

Another common pattern involves duration. Because 陪伴 is an ongoing state, it is often paired with time duration markers or phrases indicating a life stage. You can say '陪伴了十年' (accompanied for ten years) or '陪伴我成长' (accompany me as I grow up). In these contexts, 陪伴 acts as a bridge between the subject and the developmental journey of the object. It is also frequently used in the passive sense or as a result of a wish, such as '我希望有人陪伴' (I hope to have someone to keep me company).

The 'With' Structure: While English uses 'keep company with,' in Chinese, you don't usually use '和' (with) before 陪伴 because the verb itself inherently includes the interaction. '我陪伴他' is correct; '我陪伴和他' is incorrect.
As a Noun: When used as a noun, it often follows adjectives like '长久的' (long-lasting) or '温暖的' (warm). For example: '他需要的是陪伴，而不是金钱' (What he needs is companionship, not money).

谢谢你一直以来的陪伴。(Thank you for your constant companionship.)

In more advanced usage, 陪伴 can be used metaphorically. An old house can 陪伴 a family for generations, or a specific song can 陪伴 you during every late-night study session. This personification adds a poetic layer to your Chinese, showing that you understand the word's ability to describe things that provide comfort and stability over time.

You will encounter 陪伴 in a variety of settings, ranging from the most intimate family conversations to large-scale public service announcements. In the domestic sphere, it is perhaps the most used word to describe the relationship between parents and children. In China, there is a significant social discussion regarding 'left-behind children' (留守儿童) and the 'lack of companionship' (缺少陪伴) they face when parents move to cities for work. Consequently, you will hear this word constantly in news reports, documentaries, and social work contexts discussing family welfare.

Pop Culture and Music: Mandopop is filled with 陪伴. Songs often use it to describe the enduring nature of love. A famous lyric by Eason Chan says, '陪你把想念的酸拥抱成甜' (Accompanying you to turn the sourness of longing into sweetness), which captures the essence of 陪伴 as a shared emotional journey.
Healthcare and Therapy: In hospitals, nurses might tell family members that '陪伴是最好的药' (Companionship is the best medicine). It's used to emphasize the psychological support needed for recovery.
Pet Ownership: Modern Chinese pet owners often refer to their pets as '陪伴犬' (companion dogs) or say that pets '陪伴我度过每一个孤独的夜晚' (accompany me through every lonely night).

广告语：智能机器人，给孩子最贴心的陪伴。(Ad slogan: Smart robots, giving children the most thoughtful companionship.)

Furthermore, in the workplace, though less common, it might appear in discussions about employee well-being or 'work-life balance,' where companies claim to '陪伴员工共同成长' (accompany employees in growing together). On social media platforms like WeChat or Xiaohongshu, users post photos of their coffee, books, or scenery with captions like '今日份的陪伴' (Today's portion of companionship), indicating that these things brought them comfort during the day. This wide range of usage shows that 陪伴 is not just a verb but a cultural value centered on the importance of not being alone.

For English speakers, the most common mistake when using 陪伴 is treating it as a synonym for 'going with someone.' While both involve being together, 陪伴 is specifically about the *act of being a companion*. If you say '我陪伴你去商店' (I accompany you to the store), it sounds a bit overly dramatic or emotional, as if the trip to the store is a significant life event or the person is very lonely. For a simple trip, you should use '陪' (péi) or '跟...一起去' (gēn... yīqǐ qù).

Mistake 1: Confusing 陪伴 with 陪同: 陪同 (péitóng) is for formal, official, or business contexts. A secretary 陪同 a CEO. A diplomat 陪同 a guest. 陪伴 is for emotional support. You wouldn't '陪伴' a business client unless you are very close friends.
Mistake 2: Using the wrong preposition: English speakers often want to say '陪伴和...' (keep company with...). In Chinese, 陪伴 is a direct verb. Correct: '他陪伴我.' Incorrect: '他陪伴和我.'
Mistake 3: Overusing it for short durations: 陪伴 usually implies a significant or meaningful duration. If you just sit with someone for five minutes while they wait for a bus, '陪' is enough. 陪伴 suggests a deeper commitment.

错误：他陪伴我去银行办业务。(Wrong: He 'accompanied' [emotionally] me to the bank for business.)
正确：他陪我去银行办业务。(Correct: He went with me to the bank.)

Another subtle error is using 陪伴 for inanimate objects in a way that sounds unnatural. While you can say '音乐陪伴我,' you shouldn't say '我的手机陪伴我' in a positive sense unless you are making a specific point about digital addiction. Usually, 陪伴 is reserved for things that provide genuine comfort or are personified in a literary way. Lastly, ensure you don't confuse it with '照顾' (zhàogù - to take care of). While 陪伴 often involves taking care of someone, its primary focus is the 'being with,' not the 'doing for.'

To truly master 陪伴, you must understand its neighbors in the Chinese lexicon. Each of these words shares a core meaning of 'togetherness' but varies in formality, emotion, and context. Choosing the right one will make your Chinese sound much more native and precise.

1. 陪 (péi): The short version. It is much more casual and used for specific actions. '陪我吃饭' (Eat with me), '陪我逛街' (Go shopping with me). It lacks the heavy emotional weight of 陪伴.
2. 陪同 (péitóng): Formal and professional. Used for 'escorting' or 'accompanying' in an official capacity. '在秘书的陪同下' (Accompanied by the secretary).
3. 伴随 (bànsuí): A literary or scientific term meaning 'to follow' or 'to go along with.' Often used for abstract things. '伴随着音乐' (Accompanied by music) or '伴随着风险' (Accompanied by risks).
4. 守候 (shǒuhòu): To wait by and watch over. This is even more intense than 陪伴. It implies a sense of guarding or waiting for someone to wake up or recover. '在病床前守候' (Waiting by the hospital bed).

Comparison:
- 陪伴: Emotional companionship (Family, friends).
- 陪同: Professional escorting (Business).
- 伴随: Abstract co-occurrence (Music, risks).

If you are looking for a more poetic way to say someone is with you, you might use '相伴' (xiāngbàn), which implies mutual companionship. For example, '相伴一生' (accompanying each other for a lifetime). In contrast, if you are simply 'with' someone physically without the emotional component, '跟...在一起' (gēn... zài yīqǐ) is the most neutral and common choice. Understanding these nuances allows you to navigate social situations in China with greater sensitivity, knowing when to emphasize the bond (陪伴) and when to simply describe the action (陪).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 陪 contains the radical 阝 (left mound), which suggests that being a companion is like being a wall that protects and supports someone.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /peɪ biæn/

US /peɪ bæn/

The primary stress is on the second syllable 'bàn' in natural speech.

Rhymes With

见 (jiàn) 面 (miàn) 电 (diàn) 片 (piàn) 练 (liàn) 变 (biàn) 线 (xiàn) 便 (biàn)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'bàn' with a flat tone (1st tone) instead of a falling tone (4th tone).
Using the English 'p' sound with too much aspiration; in Pinyin, 'p' is aspirated, but 'b' is unaspirated.
Confusing the 'ai' in 'péi' with 'ei'; it is 'ei' (like 'hey').
Mixing up 'bàn' with 'pàn' (hope).
Failing to distinguish the rising tone of 'péi' which can make it sound like 'pèi' (match).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The characters are moderately common but distinguishable.

Writing 3/5

The character 陪 has many strokes and a specific radical structure.

Speaking 1/5

The pronunciation is straightforward with clear tones.

Listening 1/5

It is a very frequent word in songs and dramas.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

陪朋友家人在身边

Learn Next

照顾关怀支持孤独交流

Advanced

相濡以沫守望相助伴随陪同

Grammar to Know

Resultative Complements

他陪伴我度过了难关。

Duration Phrases

他陪伴了我整整一个星期。

Prepositional Phrases with '在'

他陪伴在奶奶身边。

Nominalization with '的'

家长的陪伴对孩子很重要。

Adverbial Modification

他默默地陪伴着我。

Examples by Level

妈妈陪伴我。

Mom keeps me company.

Simple Subject + Verb + Object structure.

小狗陪伴我。

The puppy keeps me company.

Using a pet as the subject.

我陪伴爷爷。

I keep my grandpa company.

Showing care for elders.

他在家陪伴家人。

He is at home keeping his family company.

Indicating location with '在家'.

谁陪伴你？

Who is keeping you company?

Question form using '谁'.

我不喜欢一个人，我需要陪伴。

I don't like being alone; I need company.

Using '陪伴' as a noun.

老师陪伴学生们。

The teacher keeps the students company.

Plural object '学生们'.

好朋友会陪伴你。

Good friends will keep you company.

Using the future/intentional '会'.

他每天都陪伴在奶奶身边。

He stays by his grandma's side every day.

Using '陪伴在...身边' for physical proximity.

这本书陪伴了我一个下午。

This book kept me company for an afternoon.

Using '陪伴' with an inanimate object (personification).

孩子需要父母的陪伴。

Children need the companionship of their parents.

Possessive '...的陪伴' (noun form).

谢谢你陪伴我走回家。

Thank you for accompanying me home.

Verb + Object + Verb phrase (serial verb).

他生病时，我也在陪伴他。

When he was sick, I was also keeping him company.

Using '时' (when) to set the context.

猫咪是很好的陪伴。

Cats are great companionship/companions.

Noun usage in a 'is' (是) sentence.

我们互相陪伴，不觉得累。

We keep each other company and don't feel tired.

Using '互相' (each other).

音乐可以陪伴我的旅行。

Music can accompany my travels.

Using '可以' (can).

在那段难过的日子里，是音乐陪伴着我。

During those sad days, it was music that kept me company.

Using '是...的' structure for emphasis.

真正的朋友会在你困难时陪伴你。

True friends will stay by you when you are in trouble.

Conditional context '在你困难时'.

由于工作忙，他很少有时间陪伴孩子。

Due to being busy with work, he rarely has time to accompany his children.

Using '由于' (due to) and '很少' (rarely).

这种机器人的主要功能是陪伴老人。

The main function of this robot is to keep the elderly company.

Technical/functional description.

他渴望得到家人的陪伴和理解。

He longs for the companionship and understanding of his family.

Using '渴望' (long for) with abstract nouns.

陪伴并不意味着一定要说话。

Companionship doesn't necessarily mean you have to talk.

Using '意味着' (means/implies).

这只流浪狗陪伴了他整整十年。

This stray dog accompanied him for a full ten years.

Duration marker '整整十年'.

我希望能陪伴你度过每一个重要的时刻。

I hope to accompany you through every important moment.

Using '度过' (spend/pass time).

在这个快节奏的社会，高质量的陪伴显得尤为珍贵。

In this fast-paced society, high-quality companionship seems particularly precious.

Using '显得尤为' (seems especially).

电影《忠犬八公》讲述了宠物对主人忠诚的陪伴。

The movie 'Hachiko' tells a story of a pet's loyal companionship to its owner.

Describing a narrative theme.

很多留守儿童最缺少的不是物质生活，而是父母的陪伴。

What many left-behind children lack most is not material life, but their parents' companionship.

Using '不是...而是...' (not... but...).

无论是在巅峰还是低谷，他都一直陪伴着我。

Whether at the peak or in the trough, he has always been by my side.

Metaphorical use of 'peak' and 'trough'.

志愿者们来到敬老院，给那里的老人提供陪伴。

Volunteers came to the nursing home to provide companionship to the elderly there.

Formal context of social service.

这种“陪伴式”学习模式在年轻人中非常流行。

This 'companionship-style' learning model is very popular among young people.

Using '陪伴式' as an adjective.

孤独感往往源于内心深处对陪伴的渴望。

Loneliness often stems from a deep-seated desire for companionship.

Psychological/abstract subject matter.

最好的爱，就是长情的陪伴。

The best love is long-lasting companionship.

A common modern Chinese proverb/idiom.

这种长期的陪伴，早已超越了普通的朋友关系。

This long-term companionship has long since transcended an ordinary friendship.

Using '超越' (transcend) and '早已' (long since).

在孤独的创作过程中，唯有孤独与他相陪伴。

During the lonely creative process, only loneliness kept him company.

Literary use of personified loneliness.

陪伴不仅是身体的共处，更是灵魂的共鸣。

Companionship is not only physical presence but also a resonance of the soul.

Philosophical '不仅是...更是...' structure.

他试图通过这种方式，弥补对女儿多年来陪伴的缺失。

He tried in this way to make up for the lack of companionship for his daughter over the years.

Using '弥补' (make up for) and '缺失' (lack/absence).

历史的沉重感始终陪伴着这座古老的城市。

A sense of historical weight has always accompanied this ancient city.

Abstract metaphorical subject.

在临终关怀中，陪伴往往比任何治疗都更有尊严。

In hospice care, companionship is often more dignified than any treatment.

Specific medical/ethical context.

他那沉默的陪伴，给了我面对困难的莫大勇气。

His silent companionship gave me immense courage to face difficulties.

Using '莫大' (immense).

这种“虚拟陪伴”是否能真正缓解现代人的孤独？

Can this 'virtual companionship' truly alleviate the loneliness of modern people?

Rhetorical/critical inquiry.

陪伴的真谛，在于不离不弃的坚守与润物无声的关怀。

The true essence of companionship lies in the perseverance of never leaving and the silent, nourishing care.

Using sophisticated idioms like '不离不弃' and '润物无声'.

即便是在最幽暗的深渊，希望也如影随形地陪伴着他。

Even in the darkest abyss, hope accompanied him like a shadow follows a form.

Using '如影随形' (like a shadow).

这种文学意象的陪伴，构成了他作品中独特的审美底色。

The companionship of these literary images constitutes the unique aesthetic background of his works.

Academic literary criticism.

在哲学的层面上，自我与自我的陪伴是一场终生的修行。

On a philosophical level, the companionship between self and self is a lifelong cultivation.

Philosophical discourse.

纵观历史，技术的发展始终伴随着人类对社交陪伴的异化。

Throughout history, the development of technology has always been accompanied by the alienation of human social companionship.

Sociological analysis.

他将这种默默的陪伴，幻化为笔下流淌的温情文字。

He transformed this silent companionship into the warm words flowing from his pen.

Highly evocative, poetic language.

陪伴的缺失，往往是导致青少年心理问题的潜在诱因。

The lack of companionship is often a potential incentive leading to psychological problems in adolescents.

Formal psychological/medical terminology.

在漫长的岁月中，只有那座灯塔陪伴着孤独的海员。

In the long years, only that lighthouse kept the lonely sailor company.

Narrative storytelling at a high level.

Common Collocations

需要陪伴

长期陪伴

缺少陪伴

陪伴成长

默默陪伴

贴心陪伴

互相陪伴

陪伴左右

给予陪伴

温馨的陪伴

Common Phrases

陪伴是最长情的告白

— Spending time together is the best way to show love.

他不爱说话，但一直守着她，真是陪伴是最长情的告白。

缺少父母陪伴

— Lacking parental company, a common social issue.

缺少父母陪伴的孩子容易产生心理问题。

陪伴式直播

— A type of live stream where the host just hangs out with viewers.

最近陪伴式直播在年轻人中很火。

全程陪伴

— Accompanying through the entire process.

手术期间，家人一直全程陪伴。

精神陪伴

— Spiritual or mental companionship.

文学作品能给人带来精神陪伴。

孤独的陪伴

— The ironic company of loneliness.

在深山里，只有孤独的陪伴。

终身陪伴

— Lifelong companionship.

他们承诺要终身陪伴对方。

陪伴在侧

— To be by one's side.

他生病时，幸好有好友陪伴在侧。

无声的陪伴

— Silent companionship.

狗狗给了我无声的陪伴。

高质量陪伴

— High-quality time spent together.

家长应该注重对孩子的高质量陪伴。

Often Confused With

陪伴 vs 陪同

陪同 is for formal/official escorting; 陪伴 is for emotional companionship.

陪伴 vs 伴随

伴随 is more literary and used for abstract things following one another.

陪伴 vs 照顾

照顾 focuses on physical care (feeding, cleaning); 陪伴 focuses on being present.

Idioms & Expressions

"如影随形"

— Like a shadow following the body; inseparable.

他们两人如影随形，总是在一起。

Literary

"不离不弃"

— Never leave or abandon; stay together through thick and thin.

无论贫穷还是富有，他们都不离不弃。

Emotional

"朝夕相处"

— To be together from morning till night; close association.

他们朝夕相处，感情非常深厚。

Neutral

"患难与共"

— To share trials and tribulations.

作为好兄弟，我们应当患难与共。

Formal

"相依为命"

— To depend on each other for survival.

祖孙俩相依为命，日子过得很清苦。

Emotional

"形影不离"

— Inseparable as body and shadow.

这对好朋友整天形影不离。

Informal

"同甘共苦"

— To share both sweets and bitters.

夫妻就应该同甘共苦。

Neutral

"生死相依"

— To stick together through life and death.

战友们在战场上生死相依。

Formal

"琴瑟和谐"

— Marital harmony (like the harmony of two musical instruments).

祝你们琴瑟和谐，白头偕老。

Formal/Literary

"白头偕老"

— To grow old together.

他们希望能白头偕老。

Formal

Easily Confused

陪伴 vs 陪

It is the root of 陪伴.

陪 is a general verb for 'going with' or 'doing with'. 陪伴 is more formal, emotional, and emphasizes the state of being a companion.

我陪你去超市。(I'll go to the supermarket with you.)

陪伴 vs 跟随

Both involve being with someone.

跟随 means 'to follow' (often physically behind). 陪伴 means 'to be with' as an equal or supporter.

小鸭子跟随母鸭。(Ducklings follow the mother duck.)

陪伴 vs 伴随

Similar characters.

伴随 is used for phenomena or abstract concepts occurring together. 陪伴 is for sentient beings.

雷声伴随着闪电。(Thunder accompanies lightning.)

陪伴 vs 陪衬

Starts with 陪.

陪衬 means to serve as a foil or background to make something else look better.

绿叶陪衬红花。(Green leaves set off red flowers.)

陪伴 vs 作伴

Same meaning.

作伴 is more colloquial and often used as a noun phrase '找个作伴的' (find someone to keep company).

我给你作伴吧。(I'll keep you company.)

Sentence Patterns

S + 陪伴 + O

我陪伴你。

S + 陪伴在 + O + 身边

他陪伴在妈妈身边。

S + 陪伴 + O + V-phrase

音乐陪伴我学习。

S + 陪伴 + O + 度过 + Time/Difficulty

他陪伴我度过了那段困难时期。

在 + S + 的陪伴下

在好友的陪伴下，他走出了阴影。

S + 是对 + O + 最好的陪伴

倾听是对他人最好的陪伴。

S + 缺少 + O + 的陪伴

孩子缺少父母的陪伴。

S + 渴望 + 陪伴

老人渴望得到家人的陪伴。

Word Family

Nouns

伴侣 (partner)

同伴 (companion)

伙伴 (partner/buddy)

伴奏 (accompaniment in music)

Verbs

陪 (accompany)

陪同 (escort)

伴随 (follow)

相伴 (accompany each other)

Adjectives

伴生 (co-existent)

孤独 (lonely)

关怀 (care)

成长 (growth)

照顾 (take care of)

守候 (watch over)

How to Use It

frequency

Very High in emotional and social contexts.

Common Mistakes

我陪伴和他去公园。 → 我陪他去公园。
Don't use '陪伴' for simple errands, and don't use '和' as a preposition for this verb.
谢谢你的陪同。 → 谢谢你的陪伴。
Use '陪伴' for friends/family. '陪同' is for formal escorting.
他陪伴我学习了。 → 他陪伴着我学习。
Use '着' to show the continuous state of companionship during an action.
我需要你的陪。 → 我需要你的陪伴。
The single character '陪' is rarely used as a standalone noun; use '陪伴' instead.
雷声陪伴着雨声。 → 雷声伴随着雨声。
For natural phenomena or abstract things, '伴随' is more appropriate than '陪伴'.

Tips

The Power of Presence

In Chinese culture, being physically present (陪伴) is often valued more than verbal expressions of love.

No Preposition Needed

Don't use 'with' (和/跟) before the object. 陪伴 is a transitive verb.

Noun Usage

You can use '的' to make it a noun: '你的陪伴对我很有意义' (Your companionship is meaningful to me).

Tone Accuracy

Make sure the fourth tone on 'bàn' is strong; otherwise, it might sound like you are asking a question.

Choose 陪 for Errands

If you are just going to the bank with someone, use 陪, not 陪伴.

Metaphors

Use 陪伴 for books, music, or dreams to make your writing more poetic.

Volunteering

When volunteering, use '提供陪伴' to describe your service to the elderly or children.

Song Lyrics

When you hear 'Péibàn' in a song, it usually refers to a lifelong promise.

Avoid 陪同 for Friends

Calling a friend's company '陪同' sounds like they are your bodyguard or secretary.

The 'Shi...de' Structure

Use '是...的' to emphasize WHO is providing the company: '是他在陪伴我'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Pay' (陪) and 'Ban' (伴). You 'pay' attention to someone to 'ban' their loneliness.

Visual Association

Imagine a small wall (陪) standing next to a person (伴) to keep them warm and safe.

Word Web

Family Love Time Support Care Presence Pet Comfort

Challenge

Try to spend 30 minutes today in 'silent 陪伴' with someone you love—no phones, just presence.

Word Origin

The word is a compound of two characters: 陪 (péi) and 伴 (bàn). 陪 originally meant a secondary wall or an earthen mound used for support. 伴 originally meant a person who is one's 'half' or partner.

Original meaning: To stand by as a support or to be a person's other half.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing 'lack of 陪伴' with Chinese friends, as it can be a sensitive topic regarding their relationship with busy parents.

While English speakers often focus on 'spending quality time,' 陪伴 implies a more selfless 'being there' regardless of the activity.

The song '陪伴' by various Mandopop artists. The movie 'Together' (和你在一起) which explores the 陪伴 of a father and son. The concept of '陪伴式教育' in modern Chinese parenting blogs.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family Life

陪伴孩子
陪伴父母
家人的陪伴
回家陪伴

Hospital/Illness

陪伴病人
在病床前陪伴
全程陪伴
给予安慰

Romance

长情的陪伴
陪伴一生
有你陪伴
互相陪伴

Pet Ownership

宠物陪伴
陪伴犬
猫咪的陪伴
忠诚的陪伴

Social Work

提供陪伴
精神陪伴
志愿者陪伴
缺少陪伴

Conversation Starters

"你觉得在一段关系中，陪伴重要吗？"

"你最希望谁能多花点时间陪伴你？"

"你有没有养宠物来陪伴自己？"

"当你的朋友难过时，你会怎么陪伴他？"

"你小时候，父母有经常陪伴你吗？"

Journal Prompts

写一写生命中那个一直陪伴你的人。

如果没有了音乐的陪伴，你的生活会变成什么样？

描述一次你陪伴他人度过难关的经历。

你认为‘高质量的陪伴’应该是什么样的？

谈谈在孤独的时候，什么东西最能给你陪伴。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should use 陪同 (péitóng) for business or formal situations. 陪伴 is too emotional for professional settings.

It is both. As a verb: '他陪伴我.' As a noun: '我需要陪伴.' Both are very common.

Yes, in modern Chinese, people use '陪伴' for AI or software that provides interaction, like a '陪伴型机器人'.

陪 is casual and action-oriented (陪我买菜). 陪伴 is emotional and duration-oriented (陪伴我一生).

You say '谢谢你的陪伴' (Xièxiè nǐ de péibàn).

Yes, it is one of the most romantic words in Chinese, implying a deep, long-term commitment.

No. In Chinese, the verb 陪伴 is followed directly by the object. Say '陪伴我'.

Almost always. It implies care and support. However, '缺少陪伴' (lack of company) is a negative situation.

While the concept is simple (A1/A2), its nuanced use in literature and social issues can reach C1/C2.

The pattern is '陪伴在 [Someone] 身边'. For example: '陪伴在父母身边'.