侶

Phono-semantic compound consisting of:

人 (사람 인) — semantic component, representing a person, indicating that the meaning relates to human beings or social relations.

呂 (성 려 / 법칙 려) — phonetic component, providing the sound lǚ / ryeo and suggesting order, harmony, or pairing (as in the musical pitch structure of 吕).

According to Shuowen Jiezi (說文解字):

「侶，比也。从人，呂聲。」

“侶 means companions or those who are together. Formed from 人 (‘person’) and phonetic 呂 (‘harmony, pairing’).”

The component 呂, which depicts two aligned mouths (口口) connected vertically, originally conveyed the idea of alignment, correspondence, or pairing.

Thus, 侶 visually and conceptually expresses two or more people moving or dwelling together in harmony.

伴侶 (반려) — companion; partner; mate (esp. in marriage or life)

侶伴 (려반) — comrade; associate

同侶 (동려) — companion; fellow; comrade

侶行 (려행) — to travel together; journey companions

旅侶 (려려) — fellow travelers; journey companions

朋侶 (붕려) — friends; associates

良侶 (양려) — good companion; virtuous partner

The meaning of 侶 centers on companionship, association, and shared path.

In early Chinese writings, the term described not only literal travel partners but also friends bound by purpose and mutual understanding.

In Book of Songs (詩經·小雅) appears the idea of “同行同侶” — companions walking the same path — symbolizing loyalty and unity.

In Confucian moral philosophy, companionship (侶) is essential for cultivating virtue:

「君子以友輔仁。」 (Analects 12:23)

“The gentleman uses friendship to assist in virtue.”

Here, 侶 represents not merely association but moral fellowship, where one’s companions reflect and refine one’s own character.

In Daoist and Buddhist writings, 侶 often refers to companions on the spiritual path, emphasizing shared cultivation and mutual support:

「道侶同修。」 — “Fellow cultivators of the Way.”

Such use reinforces the sense of harmonious companionship in pursuit of truth.

In literature, 侶 carries both emotional and spiritual overtones — the idea of a partner through life’s journey, or even beyond it.

Poets of the Tang and Song dynasties often used 侶 in expressions of deep friendship or longing:

「孤雲無侶，獨鳥同心。」

“A lone cloud without companion, a solitary bird of one heart.”

Here, the absence of 侶 symbolizes solitude and yearning for connection.

Cultural and symbolic meaning:

The phonetic element 呂 (two aligned mouths) subtly conveys communication, harmony, and resonance — fitting symbols for companionship.

In modern East Asian usage, 伴侶 (반려) retains partnerships meaning, extending from human to include emotional and spiritual companionship, as in 반려동물 (“companion animals”), signifying beings that share life and affection.