盟友
méngyǒu
In Chinese, the word for ally is 盟友 (méngyǒu).
The term 盟友 refers to a person, group or concept that is associated with another as a helper, such as an auxiliary or supporter. It is most commonly used in political, military or formal diplomatic contexts.
Meaning: person, group, concept, etc., which is associated with another as a helper (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 盟, which means to form a pact or alliance and 友, which means friend.
Which one should you use?
While 盟友 (méngyǒu) refers to a formal ally, 朋友 (péngyǒu) is used for a general friend or a non-political companion.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
méngyǒu
Did you know?
- The character 盟 originally depicted a sacrificial animal's blood being used to seal a pact. In ancient China, allies would smear blood on their lips or drink it to prove their commitment to the agreement.
- While 盟友 is for formal alliances, the term 死党 (sǐdǎng), meaning 'death party', is used for an extremely loyal, lifelong ally or best friend who would do anything for you.
- In certain wuxia literature or martial arts contexts, an ally is often referred to as 同道 (tóngdào), which means 'someone on the same path'.
Examples in context
- 阿尔及利亚是俄罗斯和中国的亲密盟友。Algeria is a close ally of both Russia and China.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use 盟友 in a sentence describing political relationships.Tatoeba #8550341 by slo_oth, translation #8550317 by Amastan
- 我们是盟友，共同抵御外来威胁。We are allies, jointly resisting external threats.
- 我们需要寻找新的盟友。Wǒmen xūyào xúnzhǎo xīn de méngyǒu.We need to look for new allies.
- 他是我最可靠的盟友。Tā shì wǒ zuì kěkào de méngyǒu.He is my most reliable ally.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a business strategy.
- 佳怡 Jiayi佳怡：我们该和谁合作？Wǒmen gāi hé shéi hézuò?Who should we cooperate with?
- 俊杰 Junjie俊杰：那家公司会是很好的盟友。Nà jiā gōngsī huì shì hěn hǎo de méngyǒu.That company would be a great ally.
- 佳怡 Jiayi佳怡：他们愿意帮我们吗？Tāmen yuànyì bāng wǒmen ma?Are they willing to help us?
- 俊杰 Junjie俊杰：是的，我们有共同的目标。Shì de, wǒmen yǒu gòngtóng de mùbiāo.Yes, we have the same goals.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ally” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
