The word friends in japanese

The generic word for friend in Japanese is 友人 (yuujin). Japanese people have many different ways to say the word friend. These words depend on how close the relationship is and with whom they are speaking. This article will discuss the words you can use to talk about your friend in Japanese. 

Be aware that, unlike in other languages such as English, it isn’t common to refer directly to your friend with these words. They will typically be used to introduce them to other people.

Common Words for Friend in Japanese

Here are some general words for friend in Japanese. Be careful to note the level of politeness or intimacy in each!

1. 友達 (Tomodachi) – Friend

The word 友達 (tomodachi) means friend or friends. The suffix -達 (dachi) is technically the Japanese plural form, but you can use tomodachi to refer to either one friend or many. However, these days, tomodachi has become more of a word meaning “one friend” instead of many. It is still not wrong to refer to many friends as your tomodachi though. It is even possible to add another “たち” to the end to make it clear that you are talking about many friends, like this: 友達たち (tomodachi-tachi).

Also, it recommended by 教育出版 (Kyoiku Shuppan) – a famous company in Japan that publishes educational materials) to write the 達 (tachi) in hiragana like this: 友たち (tomotachi) if you want to make it clear you are talking about more than one friend.

• 友達 (tomodachi) = friend; friends
• 友たち (tomotachi) = friends

The word tomodachi is more casual than the previously mentioned yuujin.  Tomodachi is not a slang word, but it also isn’t polite or honorific Japanese. However, you can use tomodachi in everyday conversations with people you don’t know (store workers, people you just meet, etc.).

You can combine tomodachi with other words to express the type of friends you have:

• 男友達 (otoko-tomodachi): male friend(s)
• 女友達 (onna-tomodachi): female friend(s)
• 飲み友達 (nomi-tomodachi): drinking friend(s)
• 遊び友達 (asobi-tomodachi): playmate(s)

You can also use 友達 to refer to anything that is your friend, even if they are not human (examples #3 and 4 below).

Examples:

1. My friend Tom is coming over tonight.
今夜、友達のトムさんが遊びに来る。
(Konya, tomodachi no Tom-san ga asobi ni kuru.)

2. I went to the mall with my friends yesterday.
昨日、友達と一緒にモールに行った。
(Kinou, tomodachi to issho ni mooru ni itta.)

3. I became friends with a neighbor’s dog “Koro”.
僕は近所の犬のコロと友達になりました。
(Boku wa kinjo no inu no Koro to tomodachi ni narimashita.)

4. Books are my friends.
本が私の友達です。
(Hon ga watashi no tomodachi desu.)

2. 友人 (Yuujin) – Friend (Polite)

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, 友人 (yuujin) is the basic and polite way to say friend in Japanese. Translated, it means familiar/friendly person. 

Yuujin is a “safe” way to say friend in Japanese because it’s polite—but not too polite. This means that you can use it with people in your inner circle and not come across as cold or aloof. However, it is more formal than tomodachi, which is why you would use 友人 (yuujin) when talking to your superiors (your boss, customers, etc.)

Unlike tomodachi, yuujin can only be used to refer to human friends.

Example:

I received this hat from a friend.
この帽子は友人からもらいました。
(Kono boushi wa yuujin kara moraimashita.)

3. 親友 (Shinyuu) – Best Friend

In Japanese, the word 親友 (shinyuu) is reserved for close friends or friends who you’ve known for a long time. It derives from the same kanji as the adjective 親しい (shitashii), or intimate. You can also refer to a close friend as 親しい友達 (shitashii tomodachi) or 親しい友人 (shitashii yuujin) for the same effect. 

Shinyuu has the same nuance as the English phrase best friend. You can make this word even stronger by saying 大親友 (daishinyuu), or very best friend.

Examples:

1. Taro has been my best friend since childhood.
太郎は子供の頃からの親友です。
(Tarou wa kodomo no koro kara no shinyuu desu.)

2. I sent a card to my dear friend in the hospital.
入院 した親しい友達にカードを送りました。
(Nyuuin shita shitashii tomodachi ni kaado o okurimashita.)

4. 仲間 ( Nakama ) – Companion, Comrade

A danger of learning Japanese only through manga or anime is that you might find misleading translations for words like 仲間 (nakama). Many media platforms translate nakama into “friend” or even “buddy.” In reality, the word has far less familiarity with its meaning.

In Japanese, nakama implies comradery, but not necessarily friendship. Your nakama could be a fellow player on your basketball team. They are your nakama whether you are close friends or not. 

Of course, nakama does have a positive nuance. It would not be correct to refer to a teammate you dislike as nakama. However, it is a common mistake to refer to your bosom buddy or childhood friend as nakama. Use this word for friend with care.

Example:

Please let me join your team!
仲間に入れてください！
(Nakama ni irete kudasai!)

5. 味方 (Mikata) – Ally, Partner, Comrade

The word 味方 (mikata) is also used often in Japanese media. It also suffers from some translation issues, probably because there is another word with the same pronunciation. 見方 (mikata) is also a common words, but notice that the kanji is different. This 見方 (mikata) means “viewpoint” or “the way you look at something.”

味方 (mikata) on the other hand means ally or partner in English. It is used to describe someone who shares the same group or circumstances that you do. 

Like with nakama, you should avoid using the word mikata for people you don’t really like. It is still a far less endearing term than tomodachi or yuujin. 

味方 (mikata) can also be used to talk about non-human things that are your friends or allies. (example #3 below)

Example:

1. Yoko took sides with me when the teacher got mad at me.
先生に怒られたとき、洋子さんは私の味方になってくれた。
(Sensei ni okorareta toki, Youko-san wa watashi no mikata ni natte kureta.) 

2. I thought you were my ally, but you betrayed me.
味方だと思ってたのに、裏切られた。
(Mikata dato omotteta noni, uragirareta.) 

3. I could hit a home run because the wind was on my side.
風が味方してくれたので、ホームランが打てた。
(Kaze ga mikata shite kureta node hoomuran ga uteta.)

Situational Words for Friend

Some words for friend in Japanese can only be used in certain situations or professional relationships. Here are some situation-specific ways to say friend.

6. 相棒 ( Aibou ) – Partner

相棒 (aibou) is a not really a common word for friend in Japanese, but it is used by some people—so long as you and that friend share the same goal or purpose and works towards it together. In certain situations, aibou can even be used to speak about a friend who is also your business partner. Detectives in Japanese dramas may also call each other aibou. This word is a bit friendlier than nakama but is in the same subgenre of meaning.

If you can read the kanji, you may be a little confused.  The kanji is comprised of 相 (ai, meaning mutual or each other) and 棒 (bou, meaning stick or rod).  What does a stick have to do with being friends?  

The origin of the word aibou comes from 2 people who carried a basket (called “kago”) that was used to transport a person back in the olden days of Japan (possibly from before the Edo era, but it is not certain).  The pair of basket carriers (called “kago no mono”) called each other aibou.  You can read more about it here in Japanese:  The meaning of aibou (website in Japanese only).

Example:

My partner here is a well-known writer.
うちの相棒はかなり有名な作家です。
(Uchi no aibou wa kanari yuumei na sakka desu.)

7. 同僚 (Douryou) – Colleague, Associate

If you are friends with a colleague or a close associate, 同僚 (douryou) would be a suitable word to use. 同 (dou) means “same” in Japanese and is used in many other terms. Because douryou implies a similarity between you and your friend, you wouldn’t be able to use the word for a friend in a different workplace or career than yourself.

Example:

Today, my coworker and I went to a ramen shop for our lunch break.
今日の昼休みに、同僚と一緒にラーメン屋さんへ行った。
(Kyou no hiruyasumi ni, douryou to issho ni raamen-ya san e itta.)

8. 同級生 ( Doukyuusei ) – Classmate, Peer

The word 同級生 (doukyuusei) is a way to say friend or peer in Japanese. It’s rooted in Japanese 先輩・後輩 (senpai/kouhai), or senior/junior culture. A doukyuusei is neither a senpai (senior) nor a kouhai (junior). They are someone who is right on level with you, either in age or in rank. Doukyuusei is most often used to refer to a friend who is also a classmate in the same grade.

Example:

John and I were classmates in elementary and middle school.
ジョンさんとは小学校と中学校で同級生だった。
(Jon-san towa shougakkou to chuugakkou de doukyuusei datta.)

Like any other language, Japanese has slang words. Here are a few popular slang terms for friend. Be sure not to use them with your boss or with your elders!

9. 友 ( Tomo ) – Friend (Casual)

You may recognize the kanji in the word 友 (tomo). It’s the same as the first character in tomodachi, and the meaning is the same. Removing the suffix (-dachi) and just saying “tomo“ is a more casual way to say friend in Japanese.

However, this is only when you combine 友 (tomo) with other words. 友 (tomo) by itself is rarely used in daily conversations. It is mostly for written items like poems, songs, or song lyrics. Combining it with other words turns it into a common, conversational word. Some common ones are:

• 飲み友 (nomi-tomo): drinking buddy
• メル友 (meru-tomo): E-pal

Example:

Good morning, friend!
友よ！おはよう！
(Tomo yo! Ohayou!)

10. ダチ ( Dachi ) – Pal, Buddy, Bro

This is the same rule as with tomo but applied to the second half of tomodachi. Although it’s always written in katakana, ダチ (dachi) is the same 達 (dachi) in 友達 (tomodachi). 

This is a very casual Japanese slang word. It’s an older term that might not be trendy in daily conversation but is sure to show up in TV dramas or anime. Dachi is also used between friends as a joke or an endearing tease. It is also masculine, so it is usually only used by men.

Example:

We’re pals, right?
俺たちはダチでしょう？
(Oretachi wa dachi deshou?)

11. ツレ ( Tsure ) – Companion

ツレ (tsure) is a Japanese slang word for friend used during social events. It derives from the word 連れ (tsure), or to bring. The implication is that this friend is your “plus one”—it can be romantic or platonic and can be used between husbands and wives.

Example:

I came with my wife, Misaki.
ツレは妻の美咲です。
(Tsure wa tsuma no Misaki desu.)

12. バディー ( Badii ) – Buddy, Compatriot, Partner

As it is a loan word, バディー (badii) is a very casual way to say partner or friend in Japanese. It isn’t a mainstream slang word anymore, but you can still hear it in a classic detective movie or read it in a manga.

Example:

I swear, I’ll save my partner!
俺のバディーを絶対に助けに行く！
(Ore no badii o zettai ni tasuke ni iku!)

Conclusion

There are various ways to say friend in Japanese, depending on your relationship with the friend or the company you find yourself in. If you’re in a pinch, the words yuujin and tomodachi are the most frequently used and are okay to use in most situations.  

What are some ways to say friend in your language? Let us know in the comments! Thank you for reading this article on how to say friend in Japanese!

Ah, the friendship! It’s one of the most important things in life, and of course, there are many ways to call someone a friend in Japanese. In this article, we’re going to explore the different ways to refer to a friend in the Japanese language, so that you can strengthen those valuable bonds. Let’s go!

We recommend reading: Vocabulary – Relationships, love and friendship in Japanese

Tomodachi (友達)

The most common word for «friend» in Japanese is tomodachi (友達). This word is used by both men and women and is used in a variety of contexts from childhood to adulthood.

The word «tomodachi» is often used to describe casual friendships and budding relationships with people who may or may not be intimate.

The word 友達 (tomodachi) is composed of the characters [友] “tomo” meaning “together” and [達] “dachi” meaning “friend”, indicating that it is someone who is together in some situation.

Nakama (仲間)

Another common word for «friend» in Japanese is nakama (仲間). Nakama is a word more used in group contexts, such as on a work team or at a sports club.

The word “nakama” is composed of the characters “naka” meaning “relationship” and “ma” meaning “person”, indicating that it is someone with whom you have a close relationship.

We also recommend reading: Meaning of Nakama – Comrade in Japanese

Shin-yuu (親友)

Shin-yuu (親友) is a word used to describe a close friend, best friend or confidant. It is an intimate and long-term friendship relationship, in which there is a strong emotional bond between the two people.

The word “shin-yuu” is composed of the characters “shin” meaning “close” and “yuu” meaning “friend”, indicating that it is someone who is close emotionally.

The Japanese have a very thoughtful approach towards friendships and believe that true friendship should be based on trust, loyalty and mutual support. Thus, when someone is called “shin-yuu”, it indicates that the friendship is very strong and lasting.

Yūjin (友人)

«Yūjin» (友人) is another Japanese word for «friend». This word is used to describe a person with whom you have a respectful friendship and cordial relationship.

It’s a more formal word and is often used in professional or social contexts, such as to describe a co-worker or an acquaintance at a party.

The word “yūjin” is composed of the characters “yū” meaning “friend” and “jin” meaning “person”, indicating that it is a person who has a relationship of respectful friendship. This word does not have the same emotional intensity as “shin-yuu”, but it still indicates a positive and friendly relationship.

Gokiburi (ゴキブリ)

Although this word is not commonly used, it is a funny way of referring to a close friend in Japanese. The word “gokiburi” means cockroach, but it is used as a term of affection between close friends.

This word is usually used in a humorous context and can be used to indicate a close relationship despite differences between people.

The use of “gokiburi” can be understood as a way of showing that, even if the friend has a defect or something that can be considered negative, he is still loved and valued. It is a way of indicating that friendship is strong enough to overcome differences and imperfections.

Other ways to say Friend in Japanese

In addition to the words that have already been mentioned (tomodachi, nakama, shin-yuu, gokiburi, and yūjin), there are other Japanese words that can be used to describe different types of friendship:

Mikata (味方)

“Mikata” (味方) is a word meaning “ally” or “supporter”. While this word is not exclusively used to describe friendships, it can be used to describe someone who is there for you and supports you in difficult situations.

Senpai/Kohai (先輩/後輩)

“Senpai” (先輩) is a word used to describe a colleague or friend who is at a higher level of experience, age, or hierarchy in a certain area, such as at work or at a sports club.

On the other hand, “kohai” (後輩) is used to describe a colleague or friend who is at a lower level of experience, age or hierarchy. These words are often used in group contexts to indicate mentor-mentee or leadership relationships.

We recommend reading: Senpai and Kouhai — What is the meaning and the relationship between them?

Otomodachi (お友達)

“Otomodachi” (お友達) is a more polite and respectful way of saying “tomodachi”. It is often used by children or adults who want to be more polite or formal.

Shinpai-shina yūjin (心配性な友人)

“Shinpai-shina yūjin” (心配性な友人) is an expression that means “concerned friend”. It is used to describe a friend who cares a lot about others and is always there for them emotionally.

Kizuna (絆)

“Kizuna” (絆) is a word that means “tie” or “bond”. While not a word exclusively to describe friendship, it is often used to describe the emotional connection and trust between close friends.

Teinei na tomodachi (丁寧な友達)

“Teinei na tomodachi” (丁寧な友達) is an expression that means “polite friend” or “courteous friend”. It is used to describe someone who is very respectful and considerate in their dealings with others.

Raifu tomodachi (ライフ友達)

“Raifu tomodachi” (ライフ友達) is an expression that means “friend for life”. It is used to describe a friend who is very close and who is expected to be around for a lifetime.

Kazoku no hito (家族の人)

While not a common word for «friend», «kazoku no hito» (家族の人) is an expression used to describe a friend who is so close that he is considered part of the family. The expression “kazoku no hito” means “one of the family” and is used to indicate an extremely close and lasting relationship.

Conclusion

There are several words in Japanese that can be used to describe different types of friendship. Each of these words has its own nuance and is used in different contexts and situations. It is important to remember that choosing the right word depends on the context and the relationship you have with the other person.

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Close friend, best friend, childhood friend, BFF – we describe our friendships in English using adjectives before the word ‘friend’. We can use other words for people we know from work and school such as colleague, acquaintance, peer and so on.

tomodachi

For example watashi means ‘I’ in Japanese but watashi-tachi (私達 / わたしたち) means ‘we’ or ‘us’. So tomo-dachi literally translates to ‘friends’!

But it actually doesn’t matter whether it’s one, two or more friends you are talking about, tomodachi is both singular and plural.

For example, you might say:

Tomodachi ga shigoto wo shoukai shite kureta.
友達が仕事を紹介してくれた。
ともだちがしごとをしょうかいしてくれた。
My friend introduced me to a job.

Or on a travel website, it might say:

Tomodachi to issho ni kyanpu wo tanoshimeru!
友達と一緒にキャンプを楽しめる！
ともだちといっしょにキャンプをたのしめる！
Enjoy camping together with friends!

Tomodachi can be used in most situations, but it doesn’t reveal any details about the closeness of the friendship. Tomodachi could be a friend who you just enjoy spending time with, or it could mean someone you’re close to… we’ll never know!

yuujin

友人　/ ゆうじん

friend (polite)

If speaking about a friend in a job interview, work, or at special event, yuujin is more appropriate:

Yuujin wo daihyou shite Yamada-sama, supeechi wo onegai itashi masu.
友人を代表して山田様、スピーチをお願い致します。
ゆうじんをだいひょうしてやまださま、スピーチをおねがいいたします。
On behalf of her friend(s), we humbly request Ms. Yamada-sama to make a speech.

Yuujin can be used in casual conversation too, it’s just less common than tomodachi!

shinyuu

親友　/ しんゆう

close friend, best friend

Shinyuu (親友 / しんゆう) doesn’t have a direct translation in English, but we know from its kanji characters that this friend is closer than your tomodachi or yuujin.

Shin (親) means ‘intimate’ and as we know tomo / yuu（友）means ‘friend’. While ‘intimate friend’ would sound pretty weird in English, shinyuu can mean close friend or best friend.Your shinyuu is the friend you have a deep connection with and who is there during the good and bad times. They are special to you!

You can use shinyuu to distinguish this friend from the rest.

daishinyuu

大親友　/ だいしんゆう

best friend, great friend, BFF

We know shinyuu is a really close friend but daishinyuu (大親友/だいしんゆう) is your BFF (best friend forever)! The first character, dai (大 / だい) means ‘big’ or ‘great’ and emphasizes that this person is indeed your number one friend.

Rie-chan, watashi tachi wa daishinyuu desho?
りえちゃん、私たちは大親友でしょ？
りえちゃん、わたしたちはだいしんゆうでしょ？
Rie-chan, we’re best friends / BFF’s right?

nakama

仲間　/ なかま

mate, friend, pal, peer

Nakama (仲間 / なかま) refers to the relationship between people who do a professional or shared activity together whether its work, a hobby, a club etc.

Nakama has two kanji: 仲 (なか/naka) which means ‘relation’ or ‘relationship’ and 間（ま/ma）which means ‘among’ and ‘between’.

Kare wa sakaa bu no nakama desu.
彼はサッカー部の仲間です。
かれはサッカーぶのなかまです。
He’s my mate from the football / soccer club.

Nakama is popular in anime because its group-oriented, and members share a common goal or aspiration. 

mikata

味方　/　みかた

ally, supporter, comrade, partner

Mikata (味方 / みかた) describes a friendship where you are ‘on someone’s side’ or you share the same goal or circumstances. In this way it is similar to nakama, your companion through a shared activity.

Mikata introduces two completely different kanji again!

味 (mi) means taste/flavor but it also means feeling or sense.

方 (kata) means a direction, so we could think of mikata as a sense for the same direction, if that makes it easier to remember!

Most likely said by a guy to his comrade:

Daijoubu, ore wa kimi no mikata da yo!
大丈夫、俺は君の味方だよ！
だいじょうぶ、おれはきみのみかただよ！
Don’t worry, I’m on your side no matter what! / It’s okay, I’m your ally no matter what!

douryou

同僚　/ どうりょう

coworker, colleague

Douryou is a formal expression that we can use for our coworkers. The kanji 同 (どう / dou) means ‘same’ in English, and 僚 (りょう/ ryou) means an official, a colleague or a companion. Therefore we can think about douryou as people who share the same workplace.

Kinou, douryou to sushi wo tabeta.
昨日、同僚と寿司を食べた。
きのう、どうりょうとすしをたべた。
Yesterday, I ate sushi with my colleague.

osananajimi

幼馴染　/ おさななじみ

childhood friend

Osananajimi is a childhood friend you grew up with and it has an air of nostalgia about it. 幼 (おさな/osana) means ‘childhood’, 馴 (な/na) is the kanji for ‘to get used to’ and 染 (じみ/jimi) means to dye or stain.

While the last kanji is a little random, we could remember osananajimi as a friend who you knew for so long, they’re stuck in your memory like a dye stain on your clothes. How’s that for memorization?

shiriai

知り合い　/ しりあい

acquaintance

Shiriai (知り合い / しりあい) combines two words, shiri (知り) meaning ‘to know’ and ai (会い/あい) meaning ‘to meet’. Shiriai translates to ‘acquaintance’ in English, the people you meet in different settings through work or a mutual friend for example.

Kanojo no shiriai ga ooi desu.
彼女の知り合いが多いです。
かのじょのしりあいがおおいです。
She has a large circle of acquaintances / She has many acquaintances.

A similar word to shiriai is chijin (知人/ちじん) which refers to someone whom you know by name and are familiar with. 

So, now you know lots of different ways to say friend in Japanese.

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Related posts:

• How To Say ‘I’ In Japanese
• How To Say ‘You’ In Japanese

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These examples may contain colloquial words based on your search.

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His friends never repaid their debts.

また、彼の友人はその後、借金を返済することはなかったという。

It is, above all, a time for generous helpings of unsolicited advice from coupled friends.

矢印アイコンビーイングシングルは、無限の可能性のある時間.　それはあなた自身の利益を探検してみましょう.　それはあります，　上記のすべて，　結合された友人からの迷惑アドバイスの寛大なhelpingsのための時間.

Please exchange these numbers with your friends.

この数字を友達と交換しておいてください。

surrounded by 150 family and friends.

150人の家族と友達に囲まれて結婚式を挙げました

Dinner is traditionally eaten with relatives and friends.

ディナーは伝統的に両親や友人と食べる。

We are just really good friends.

私達はただの、本当に良い友人である。

They later separated but remained good friends.

後に彼らは別れたが、友人のままだった。

You make friends by extending goodwill.

善意を広げることによって　友達を作ります

And those without friends started making them.

以前は友達がいなかったけれど　作ろうとしはじめた子どももいます

You were also friends, correct?

容疑者と思われてますが　彼も友人ですよね？

And if any of your friends…

取引できて光栄です　もしあなたの友人が何か必要なら…

I don’t hurt my friends.

ダニエルは友人だ　傷つけたりしない

One night some friends were at the house.

オレのことをよく知っている　ある夜友達が何人か家にいた

He will die believing we were friends.

彼は僕たちが友達であると　信じながら死んだだろう。

You’ve got very persuasive friends.

あなたは非常に説得力のある友人を持っている。

She mostly called friends and family.

もうやった　ほとんどが友達か家族で

Mai finally made some new friends.

舞にも　やっと友達が出来た。

We’ve become really good friends.

しぐとは良き友人となっている。

Honestly, my family and friends were horrified.

正直な話　私の家族や友人は　相当なショックを受けていました

Challenge friends by tapping on scores or achievements.

得点または達成項目をタップして、友達にチャレンジしましょう。

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