交好 (jiāo hǎo) — (formal) to be on friendly terms; to maintain amicable relations

Definition

Formal phrase meaning 'to be on friendly terms' or 'maintain good relations', typically between states, organizations, or families. It describes the ongoing relationship itself, not the act of becoming friends.

verb
(formal) to be on friendly termsto maintain amicable relations
Easily confused

Examples

  • 交好。
    Liǎng guó zì jiàn jiāo yǐ lái yì zhí jiāo hǎo.
    The two countries have been on friendly terms ever since they established diplomatic relations.
  • 交好。
    Zhè jiā gōng sī yǔ dāng dì zhèng fǔ jiāo hǎo duō nián.
    This company has maintained a good relationship with the local government for many years.
  • 交好，。
    Tā men liǎng jiā shì dài jiāo hǎo, wǎng lái mì qiè.
    The two families have been on friendly terms for generations and interact closely.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
补充bǔchōngVerb + complement

An action followed by its result or direction.

交jiāoassociate
好hǎogood

交好 shows 交 (associate) reaching 好 (good), meaning to be on friendly terms.

Characters in this word

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

交 originally drew a human with crossed legs. In the modern shape, the upper part resembles a standing person.

Open 交 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

好 joins 女 (woman) and 子 (child), understood as a woman with a child, linked to goodness or affection.

Open 好 →

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