我们还是朋友。
We're still friends.
Literalmente: We still are friends.
Use this to preserve harmony and 'save face' after a disagreement or a change in relationship status.
En 15 segundos
- Used to maintain harmony after a conflict or change.
- The standard phrase for a gentle breakup or rejection.
- Emphasizes that the relationship is more important than the issue.
Significado
This phrase is used to reassure someone that despite a disagreement, a breakup, or a change in circumstances, your friendship remains intact. It is the ultimate 'no hard feelings' statement in Chinese.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6After a romantic breakup
分手后，我们还是朋友。
After breaking up, we are still friends.
After a heated argument about a movie
别生气了，我们还是朋友。
Don't be angry anymore, we're still friends.
Declining a date request
对不起，但我希望我们还是朋友。
I'm sorry, but I hope we're still friends.
Contexto cultural
In Chinese social dynamics, maintaining a 'circle' is vital for networking and support. This phrase is a tool for 'Guanxi' (relationship) maintenance, ensuring that a temporary setback doesn't permanently damage a useful or cherished connection.
The 'Face' Saver
Use this phrase even if you don't plan on hanging out soon. It allows the other person to 'save face' and prevents a public fallout.
Tone Matters
If said too quickly or with a flat tone, it can sound like a cold 'Goodbye.' Say it with a slight smile or a soft voice to show sincerity.
En 15 segundos
- Used to maintain harmony after a conflict or change.
- The standard phrase for a gentle breakup or rejection.
- Emphasizes that the relationship is more important than the issue.
What It Means
我们还是朋友 (Wǒmen háishì péngyǒu) is a comforting anchor in social storms. It translates to 'We are still friends.' The key word here is 还是 (háishì), which means 'still' or 'nevertheless.' It suggests that even though something happened—maybe a heated argument or a romantic split—the fundamental bond of friendship hasn't broken. It is a way to hit the reset button on tension.
How To Use It
You can drop this phrase at the end of a difficult conversation. It works best as a concluding statement to soften a blow. If you have to decline an invitation or disagree with a close colleague, adding this reminds them that the relationship matters more than the issue. It is like a verbal hug after a minor collision. Use it when you want to ensure there is no lingering awkwardness.
When To Use It
Use it when you are 'friend-zoning' someone gently. It is the classic line for a soft breakup. Use it after you have won a competitive game or a debate against a friend to show you aren't gloating. It is also perfect for reconciling after a petty fight about where to eat dinner. In a professional setting, use it with a work-buddy after a stressful project ends. It keeps the atmosphere light and cooperative.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you are actually ending the relationship for good. It will send mixed signals and cause confusion. Avoid using it in extremely formal business negotiations with strangers; it sounds too personal. If someone is truly angry at you, saying this too early might feel dismissive of their feelings. Wait for the dust to settle a bit. Also, don't say it with a sarcastic tone unless you want to lose that friend!
Cultural Background
Chinese culture places a massive emphasis on 'saving face' and maintaining social harmony (和谐 - héxié). Directly cutting ties is often seen as too harsh. This phrase acts as a 'social lubricant.' It allows both parties to exit a tense situation without losing dignity. Even if the 'friendship' becomes more distant, saying this preserves the outward appearance of peace. It reflects the value of long-term connections over short-term conflicts.
Common Variations
You might hear 我们永远是朋友 (Wǒmen yǒngyuǎn shì péngyǒu), which means 'We are friends forever.' That one is much more emotional and intense. Another common one is 做不成恋人，还可以做朋友 (Zuò bù chéng liànrén, hái kěyǐ zuò péngyǒu). This specifically means 'If we can't be lovers, we can still be friends.' It’s the quintessential breakup consolation prize. For a more casual vibe, you can just say 还是好朋友 (háishì hǎo péngyǒu)—'still good friends.'
Notas de uso
This phrase sits comfortably in the 'neutral' to 'informal' range. It is emotionally supportive but can be used as a polite social exit strategy. Avoid using it in purely transactional or high-stakes formal environments.
The 'Face' Saver
Use this phrase even if you don't plan on hanging out soon. It allows the other person to 'save face' and prevents a public fallout.
Tone Matters
If said too quickly or with a flat tone, it can sound like a cold 'Goodbye.' Say it with a slight smile or a soft voice to show sincerity.
The 'Still' Power
The word `还是` (háishì) is the secret sauce. It acknowledges that things have changed but insists that the core value of the person remains.
Ejemplos
6分手后，我们还是朋友。
After breaking up, we are still friends.
The classic way to transition from lovers to friends.
别生气了，我们还是朋友。
Don't be angry anymore, we're still friends.
Used to de-escalate a petty disagreement.
对不起，但我希望我们还是朋友。
I'm sorry, but I hope we're still friends.
A polite way to 'friend-zone' someone gently.
虽然我赢了，但我们还是朋友吧？
Even though I won, we're still friends, right?
A humorous way to soften the blow of victory.
工作是工作，我们还是朋友。
Work is work, we are still friends.
Separates professional conflict from personal rapport.
好久没见了，我们还是朋友吗？
Long time no see, are we still friends?
A playful or sincere way to reconnect.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct word to complete the phrase meaning 'still'.
我们___是朋友。 (Wǒmen ___ shì péngyǒu.)
`还是` means 'still' or 'nevertheless' in this context, indicating a continuation of the friendship.
Finish the sentence for a polite rejection.
我不喜欢去跳舞，但是___。
This maintains the relationship even when declining an activity.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of '我们还是朋友'
Talking to a childhood friend after a joke went too far.
别闹了，还是朋友！
The standard way to use the phrase in most daily situations.
我们还是朋友。
Used in professional settings to maintain networking ties.
希望以后我们还是朋友。
When to say 'We're Still Friends'
After a Breakup
Softening the split
Post-Argument
Clearing the air
After Competition
Good sportsmanship
Declining a Favor
Saying no politely
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasGenerally, no, unless you were friends before they were your boss. It's better to use terms like 保持联系 (keep in touch) in professional hierarchies.
Not at all! It's used for any situation where a bond might be strained, like after a sports match or a disagreement over a bill.
In this sentence, it means 'still.' It implies that despite a change in circumstances, the status of being friends remains.
It depends on the context. In breakups, it can sometimes be a 'polite lie,' but among friends, it's usually very sincere.
You can say 还是哥们儿 (háishì gēmenr) for 'still bros' or 还是闺蜜 (háishì guīmì) for 'still besties' among girls.
A simple 当然 (dāngrán - of course) or 那是肯定的 (nà shì kěndìng de - that's for sure) works perfectly.
No, that would be very confusing! You must have an existing relationship to be 'still' friends.
Yes, it's very common in texts to smooth over a misunderstanding or after a long silence.
The opposite would be 我们不再是朋友了 (Wǒmen bù zài shì péngyǒu le), which means 'We are no longer friends.'
Not necessarily. It's more about the lack of animosity than a commitment to future plans.
Frases relacionadas
好久不见
Long time no see.
保持联系
Keep in touch.
没关系
It's okay / No problem.
老样子
Same as always.
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