When it comes to expressing the term “bestie” in Chinese, there are a few different ways to convey this concept depending on the level of formality you want to achieve. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “bestie” in Chinese, with some tips and examples to help you along the way.
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Formal Ways to Say “Bestie” in Chinese
If you are looking for a more formal way to express “bestie” in Chinese, you can use the term “挚友” (zhì yǒu). This term carries a sense of deep friendship and loyalty and is often used to describe someone who is not only a close friend but also a trusted companion. It emphasizes a stronger bond and is commonly used in formal or literary contexts.
Example: 我的挚友是我在大学时结识的那位朋友。
Translation: My bestie is the friend I met in college.
Another formal term you can use is “知己” (zhī jǐ), which refers to someone who truly understands you and shares a deep connection with you. It conveys the idea of a soulmate in friendship and is often used to describe the person who knows you best.
Example: 他是我的知己，我们之间有着深厚的默契。
Translation: He is my bestie, we share a deep understanding between us.
Informal Ways to Say “Bestie” in Chinese
If you prefer a more casual and informal way to say “bestie” in Chinese, you can use the term “闺蜜” (guī mì). This term is widely used among females to describe their closest girlfriends or best female friends. It is derived from the words “闺” (guī), meaning the inner chambers of a house or a private room for ladies, and “蜜” (mì), meaning honey, symbolizing a sweet and intimate friendship.
Example: 我们是闺蜜已经十年了，彼此如姐妹一般。
Translation: We have been besties for ten years, like sisters to each other.
Alternatively, you can use the term “死党” (sǐ dǎng) to refer to your bestie in a more casual way. It originated from a Cantonese term and has been widely adopted throughout China to describe an extremely close friendship. It implies a level of loyalty and camaraderie akin to blood brothers or sisters.
Example: 我们绝对是死党，对彼此守口如瓶。
Translation: We are definitely besties, keeping each other’s secrets.
Tips for Using “Bestie” in Chinese
Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when using these terms to express “bestie” in Chinese:
- Consider the appropriate level of formality based on the context and your relationship with the person you are referring to as your bestie.
- Keep in mind that some terms may be more gender-specific, such as “闺蜜” (guī mì), which is commonly used among females.
- When addressing someone directly as your bestie, you can simply say “最好的朋友” (zuì hǎo de péng you), which means “best friend” in a general sense.
- Be aware of regional variations in China. While these terms are widely understood and used across the country, some regions may have their own distinct local expressions for “bestie.”
Conclusion
Expressing the concept of “bestie” in Chinese can be done through the formal terms “挚友” (zhì yǒu) and “知己” (zhī jǐ), or the more informal terms “闺蜜” (guī mì) and “死党” (sǐ dǎng). Remember to choose the appropriate term based on the level of formality and gender considerations, and be mindful of regional variations if necessary.
