生活英语 Everyday English
 
 
Old friend, new friend

THE new semester has been going on for a month. You must have made some new friends by now. How are you getting on with them? Do you know each other well by now or is it too soon?

Remembering old friends

1. I know him/her like the back of my hand. 我们对彼此可以说是了如指掌。

To "know sb./sth. like the back of one's hand" means to understand somebody or something very well. Another similar expression is "I know him/her inside out."

2. He's my old buddy. 他是我的老朋友。

"Buddy" (密友，伙伴) is a very colloquial word. On formal occasions, you can use "old acquaintance" or "old friend" instead.

3. We're on very intimate terms. 我们是无话不说的密友。

This means "we can speak frankly and openly with each other about anything".

Meeting new friends

1. Have you got acquainted with your classmates? 你认识你的同班同学了么？

To "be acquainted with someone" means to "know the person on a friendly basis but not intimately". You can also say, "to make friends with somebody".

2. I've been palling around with her for some time. 我已经和她相识一段时间了。

To "pal around with" (相识，结伴玩耍) means to spend time with someone, generally an acquaintance.
3. I don't know him from Adam. 我一点也不了解他。

This actually means, "I do not know this person at all". (Adam is the first man in the Bible).

One can also say, "I don't know her from Adam", but if you want to be witty, try, "I don't know her from Eve".