Definition
良师益友 is a four-character idiom (成语) that refers to a person who is both a good teacher and a helpful friend — someone who guides you intellectually and supports you personally. It's a high compliment in Chinese culture, often used to describe a mentor, a wise colleague, or a close friend who positively influences your growth. Unlike the literal English gloss 'good teacher and helpful friend', the Chinese phrase carries a warm, respectful tone and is typically used as a noun phrase (e.g., 'he is my 良师益友').
f.e.
good teacher and helpful friendmentor and friend (a person who both teaches and supports you)
Examples
- 良师益友。Wáng jiàoshòu shì wǒ xuéshù shàng de liáng shī yì yǒu.Professor Wang is my academic mentor and friend.
- ，良师益友。Tā bùjǐn shì wǒ de lǐngdǎo, gèng shì wǒ de liáng shī yì yǒu.He is not only my boss but also my good teacher and helpful friend.
- 良师益友。Zhè běn shū de zuòzhě kānchēng dúzhě de liáng shī yì yǒu.The author of this book can be called a mentor and friend to readers.
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