Posted 2017/5/25
In the oracle bone inscriptions, “you” (友) is like two hands reaching out toward the same direction, symbolizing giving help with both hands. So the meaning of “you” is “people with a common goal and having similar ideals and beliefs”. In the seal script, the character is also like two hands, with slight changes in the form. The “you” character in modern Chinese is derived from its earlier versions.
Today, people sharing same hobbies are referred to as “you”, or “friends”, as in phrases like “piaoyou” (meaning “an amateur performer [of Beijing opera, etc.]), “chayou” (meaning “a friend you drink tea with”) etc. In ancient Chinese, “you” and “peng” (朋) had different meanings, with the former referring to “a friend” and the latter “a classmate”. In other words, those studying under the same teacher are classmates and those sharing the same interests are friends. The phrase “pengyou” (meaning “a friend”) in modern Chinese actually has the meaning of “you” only.
