Translation guide
The term 'friend request' refers to a feature on social media platforms where a user asks to be added to another user's friend list. In Japanese, this concept is commonly expressed using the loanword フレンドリクエスト or its abbreviation フレリク. There is no single native Japanese equivalent; instead, descriptive phrases are used.
To refer to the action or notification of asking to become friends on a social networking service.
The most direct and widely understood term, borrowed from English. Used across various platforms.
友達からフレンドリクエストが届いた。
I received a friend request from a friend.
Common abbreviation of フレンドリクエスト, used in casual online communication.
フレリク送っていい？
Can I send you a friend request?
A hybrid of Japanese and English, less common but understandable.
友達リクエストが来てた。
I got a friend request.
In casual online chats or games, フレリク is very common. However, in more formal contexts or when talking to someone you don't know well, it's safer to use the full フレンドリクエスト.
A more Japanese-sounding term, literally 'friend application'. Used on some platforms like Facebook.
友達申請を承認する。
Accept a friend request.