君子之交 Friendship of gentlemen
Explanation
君子之交指的是君子之间纯洁高尚的交往，这种交往淡泊名利，不求物质回报，重在精神契合。它强调的是真诚、尊重、理解和相互欣赏，而不是虚情假意或功利性关系。
Junzi's friendship refers to the pure and noble interaction between gentlemen. This interaction is free from fame and wealth, and does not seek material rewards. It emphasizes sincerity, respect, understanding, and mutual appreciation, rather than hypocrisy or opportunistic relationships.
Origin Story
战国时期，著名琴师伯牙与樵夫子期相遇，两人志趣相投，以琴会友。伯牙弹奏高山流水，子期听后，赞叹不已，并准确地说出了曲中所表达的意境。伯牙深感知音难觅，将琴摔碎，与子期结为至交。他们的友谊，成为君子之交的典范，流传至今。
During the Warring States period, the famous qin musician Boya met the woodcutter Ziqi. The two shared similar interests and became friends through music. Boya played “High Mountains and Flowing Water,” and Ziqi, after listening, praised it highly, accurately describing the feeling expressed in the music. Boya, deeply touched by finding such a kindred spirit, broke his qin and formed a deep friendship with Ziqi. Their friendship became a model of Junzi’s friendship and is still told today.
Usage
用于形容君子之间真诚、纯洁的友谊，也常用来比喻人与人之间交往的理想境界。
Used to describe the sincere and pure friendship between gentlemen, it is also often used to describe the ideal state of interaction between people.
Examples
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伯牙与子期之间的友谊，便是君子之交的典范。
bó yá yǔ zǐ qī zhī jiān de yǒuyì, biàn shì jūnzǐ zhī jiāo de diǎnfàn.
The friendship between Boya and Ziqi is a classic example of Junzi's friendship.
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他们的交往，堪称君子之交，清淡却真诚。
tāmen de jiāowǎng, kān chēng jūnzǐ zhī jiāo, qīng dàn què zhēnchéng
Their interaction is a model of Junzi's friendship, simple yet sincere.