When combined, 友好 (yǒuhǎo) literally means “friend-good.” This paints a clear picture: the quality of being good like a friend, or a relationship that is in a good, friendly state.
In Chinese culture, which places a high value on social harmony (和谐 - héxié) and collectivism, maintaining `友好` relationships is not just a personal preference but a social imperative. It's the foundation for trust, cooperation, and mutual benefit. A key difference from the Western concept of “friendly” is its emphasis on relational state over individual disposition. In English, you might call a stranger who smiles at you on the street “friendly.” In Chinese, this would more likely be described as `礼貌 (lǐmào)` - “polite.” `友好`, on the other hand, is typically reserved for a relationship with some level of established connection, however minor. For example, your relationship with your neighbours or colleagues should be `友好`. This concept scales up significantly. In diplomacy and business, declaring a relationship as `友好` is a formal, strategic act. It signals non-aggression, a willingness to cooperate, and a foundation of mutual respect. The term “sister city” in English is a direct translation of `友好城市 (yǒuhǎo chéngshì)`, highlighting this idea of a formal, friendly bond.
`友好` is a versatile word used in many modern contexts.