'伴郎' (bàn láng) literally means 'accompanying young man' — 伴 (bàn) means 'to accompany' or 'to be with', and 郎 (láng) is an archaic or respectful term for a young, unmarried man, often used in wedding contexts. Together, the term refers specifically to a male attendant who supports the groom during a traditional Chinese or modern Sino-influenced wedding ceremony.

In contemporary usage, 伴郎 is functionally equivalent to 'groomsman' in English — typically a close friend or family member of the groom who helps coordinate logistics, participates in rituals (like greeting guests or holding the wedding rings), and offers moral support. While historically tied to Confucian rites emphasizing hierarchy and propriety, today’s 伴郎 may wear matching suits, give speeches, and join lighthearted pre-wedding activities. The role reflects social bonds and shared responsibility rather than formal status.