choose friends; select companions
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesverb
to choose friends; to select one's companions
formalOften used in formal or written contexts emphasizing the importance of being selective in forming friendships. Typically appears in advice or cautionary statements.
Zé择
jiāo交
rú如
qiú求
shī师
，
bù不
kě可
bù不
shèn慎
。
Choosing friends is like seeking a teacher; one cannot be too careful.
Tā他
wéi为
rén人
jǐn谨
shèn慎
，
zé择
jiāo交
shèn甚
yán严
。
He is a cautious person and is very strict in choosing his friends.
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Gǔ古
rén人
yún云
：
"
Shèn慎
zhòng重
zé择
jiāo交
，
yǐ以
miǎn免
hòu后
huàn患
。
"
The ancients said: 'Choose friends carefully to avoid future trouble.'
Nián年
qīng轻
shí时
zé择
jiāo交
bù不
shèn慎
，
zǒu走
le了
bù不
shǎo少
wān弯
lù路
。
When young, he was not careful in choosing friends and took many detours in life.