companion

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 侶 is associated with a companion or partner; its on-reading is りょ.
• Basic usage: 伴侶(はんりょ) denotes a life partner, while 僧侶(そうりょ) denotes a Buddhist monk or cleric.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A life partnership
  • 人生の伴侶 means a partner in life. It emphasizes an enduring relationship rather than a brief traveling companion.
• Small ょ
  • Both words end in りょ. Use small ょ, not the separate sequence りよ.