friendly exchange; reciprocity; return a favor
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
to return a favor with a favor; mutual friendly exchange; reciprocity
literaryOriginated from the Book of Songs (Shījīng). Describes the mutual exchange of kindness, gifts, or favors between friends or parties. Emphasizes reciprocity and goodwill in relationships.
Péng朋
yǒu友
zhī之
jiān间
yīng应
gāi该
tóu投
táo桃
bào报
lǐ李
，
hù互
xiāng相
bāng帮
zhù助
。
Friends should practice reciprocity and help each other.
Liǎng两
guó国
zhī之
jiān间
tóu投
táo桃
bào报
lǐ李
，
jiàn建
lì立
le了
shēn深
hòu厚
de的
yǒu友
yì谊
。
The two countries exchanged goodwill and established a profound friendship.
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Nǐ你
shàng上
cì次
qǐng请
wǒ我
chī吃
fàn饭
，
zhè这
cì次
wǒ我
qǐng请
nǐ你
，
zán咱
men们
tóu投
táo桃
bào报
lǐ李
。
You treated me to dinner last time, so this time I'll treat you—let's return each other's favors.