P'êng is composed of two 月 yüeh moons, and is explained as "those who have the same principles in conduct". According to the Shuo Wên it is said to have been a form of 鳳 fêng phoenix, because the latter is the leader which all other birds follow. It is defined as "of the same bent," recalling the "idem velle atque idem nolle" of Cicero. The p'êng, who is here regarded as the elder, should be kindly, and the yu should be trustful. The colloquial for friend is 朋友 p'êng yu.