朋 (péng) originally depicted two strings of shells used as currency, symbolizing people of equal standing trading together. 友 (yǒu) shows two right hands clasped — a gesture of mutual support. Together, 朋友 has meant "friend" since Classical Chinese antiquity.

In Chinese culture, friendship (友情, yǒuqíng) carries strong social weight. The word 朋友 can also be used loosely to refer to a boyfriend or girlfriend in colloquial speech — context matters. Confucius famously opened the Analects by celebrating the joy of having friends visit from afar: 有朋自远方来，不亦乐乎 (yǒu péng zì yuǎn fāng lái, bù yì lè hū).