Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'friend' depends on the closeness, context, and formality. The most common word is 友達 (ともだち), but there are many alternatives.
A person you have a bond of mutual affection with, typically not family or romantic partner.
The most common and neutral word for 'friend'. Suitable for most situations.
He is my friend.
I went to see a movie with a friend.
A slightly more formal term for 'friend', often used in writing or polite speech.
He is an old friend of mine.
A literary or poetic term for 'friend'. Not used in everyday conversation.
I think of a faraway friend.
A friend with whom you have a particularly strong bond.
A close friend, best friend. Implies a deep, trusting relationship.
She is my best friend.
A close friend, often used in a slightly more casual or childish way. Can also describe the relationship itself.
A very best friend, emphasizing an extremely close bond. Somewhat emphatic.
A friend you have known since childhood.
A friend in a casual, often male-oriented context, like a pal or mate.
A person you know and interact with primarily online.
In Japanese, directly saying 'my friend' (私の友達) can sound overly possessive or unnatural in many contexts. Often, simply using the person's name or a title is more natural. Use 友達 without 私の unless clarification is needed.
I went to lunch with a friend.
友達 (ともだち) is the everyday word for friend. 友人 (ゆうじん) is more formal and often used in writing or polite speech. In casual conversation, 友達 is preferred.
あの二人は仲良しだ。
Those two are close friends.
He's my absolute best friend.
He's a friend from when we were kids.
I play games with my online friend.