益友 (yì yǒu) — a beneficial friend; a mentor-like friend

Definition

Literary term for a friend who has a positive, guiding influence on you — comes from the chengyu 良师益友 ("good teachers and helpful friends"). Less common than 朋友 in everyday speech; used more in writing about personal growth.

noun

a beneficial frienda mentor-like friend

Examples

益友，。
Tā shì wǒ zuì hǎo de yì yǒu, jīng cháng gěi wǒ tí jiàn yì.
He is my best beneficial friend, often giving me advice.
，益友。
Gǔ rén shuō, duō jiāo yì yǒu duì chéng zhǎng hěn yǒu bāng zhù.
The ancients said that making many beneficial friends is very helpful for growth.
益友。
Yí gè zhēn zhèng de yì yǒu huì zài nǐ kùn nan shí shēn chū yuán shǒu.
A true beneficial friend will lend a helping hand when you are in difficulty.

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