← IDIOMS · FRIENDSHIP
HSK 6
onejiànseelikeold
Feel like old friends at first meeting — instant rapport.

Literal meaning

one (一) — see (见) — like (如) — old (故)

Origin

A classical phrase originally from the Tang-dynasty Book of Tang, describing strangers who hit it off as though they'd known each other for years. The structure parallels 一见钟情 (love at first sight) but for friendship.

Examples

menjiànliáolezhěngwǎn
We hit it off instantly — talked the whole evening.
qīnjiàn
He and my father clicked immediately.

Usage & nuances

Warm, casual. Works for any platonic first-meeting chemistry.

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