Meaning and Usage
The character 伴 (bàn) primarily means 'companion' or 'partner.' It refers to a person who accompanies or joins another, often implying closeness or cooperation.
Common Contexts
You will often see 伴 used to describe friends, partners, or colleagues who accompany someone in activities like travel, work, or social events. It can also imply a supportive role, such as someone who follows or assists.
Collocations and Patterns
- 作伴 (zuò bàn): to accompany, to keep company
- 伴随 (bànsuí): to accompany, to follow
- 伴侣 (bànlǚ): partner, spouse
These collocations highlight the idea of companionship and joint participation.
Nuances
Using 伴 emphasizes the presence of someone alongside another, often with a positive or cooperative tone. It differs from simply 'with' (跟) by stressing the role of the companion. Avoid confusing 伴 with 伴奏 (bànzòu), which specifically means 'to accompany musically.'