Definition
知己 (zhī jǐ) is a noun meaning 'intimate friend' — someone who truly understands you. Unlike 亲密 (qīn mì) or 亲近 (qīn jìn), which describe a close relationship or demeanor, 知己 specifically refers to a person, not the quality of a bond. It's a deeper, more literary term than 亲 (qīn).
noun
intimate friendbosom friend
adjective
intimateclose (of friendship)
Easily confused
- 之际zhī jìsound-alikeat the time of, during (formal/literary)
Examples
- 知己。Rénshēng nándé yì zhī jǐ.A bosom friend is hard to come by in life.
- 知己。Tā shì wǒ zuì zhī jǐ de péngyou.He is my most intimate friend.
- 知己。Zhēnzhèng de zhī jǐ huì zài nǐ xūyào shí chūxiàn.A true bosom friend will show up when you need them.
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