Definition

Noun: - Friends: A formal and literary term for friends, referring to companions or people with whom one shares a bond of mutual affection and loyalty. It carries a classical, somewhat elevated tone compared to the more common word "bạn." - Comrades / Companions: Emphasizes a deep, often enduring bond of fellowship, akin to sworn brothers or close allies.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Tình bằng hữu của họ thật đáng quý. (Their friendship is truly precious.)
  • Anh ấy có nhiều bằng hữu tốt. (He has many good friends.)
  • Trong hoạn nạn mới biết ai là bằng hữu thật sự. (In times of trouble, you know who your true friends are.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in formal writing, literature, poetry, or speeches to evoke a sense of noble, loyal, and profound camaraderie. It is less common in everyday casual conversation.
• It can be part of fixed, classical phrases.

Variants and Related Words

• Bạn hữu (n): A slightly more modern synonym for friends or comrades, though still more formal than "bạn."
• Hữu (n): An archaic, poetic term for friend, often seen in compound words or classical texts.

Synonyms

• Friends: The general term for people one knows and likes.
• Comrades: Associates in a shared activity or cause, emphasizing solidarity.
• Companions: People who accompany or share experiences with another.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Nghĩa bằng hữu: The righteous bond of friendship; the moral obligations and deep loyalty between friends.
  • Họ sống với nhau trọn nghĩa bằng hữu. (They lived with each other, fully honoring the bond of friendship.)
• Bằng hữu tâm giao: Close, intimate friends who understand each other's hearts and minds; bosom friends.

noun

1. Friends
   • tình bằng hữu
     friendship, friendly feeling