Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common word for 'friends' is 友達 (ともだち). However, the way you refer to friends depends heavily on context, closeness, and formality. Japanese often uses names with honorifics instead of a generic word for 'friend'.
Referring to friends in a neutral, everyday sense.
The standard, neutral word for 'friend' or 'friends'. Can be used for one friend or multiple friends. Plurality is often inferred from context.
He is my friend.
I went to see a movie with friends.
A slightly more formal term for 'friend', often used in writing or polite speech. Can sound a bit distant in casual conversation.
He is an old friend of mine.
A literary or poetic term for 'friend'. Often used in songs, poems, or compound words. Not common in everyday speech.
I think of a faraway friend.
Referring to close or intimate friends.
A close friend, best friend. Implies a deep, trusting relationship.
She is my best friend.
A close friend; often used for children or in a lighthearted way. Can also describe the relationship itself (being on good terms).
Slang for 'friend', derived from 友達. Used mainly by young people, especially males. Can sound rough.
That guy is my buddy.
In Japanese, people often use names with honorifics instead of a word for 'friend'.
Instead of saying 'my friend', Japanese speakers often refer to friends by their name with an appropriate honorific. さん is polite/neutral, くん is often for male friends or juniors, ちゃん is for close friends (often female) or children.
Tanaka-san is my friend.
I'm hanging out with Hanako-chan tomorrow.
Referring to a group of friends or companions.
Referring to friends made online or through social media.
Saying '私の友達' (my friend) is grammatically correct but can sound overly explanatory or redundant in Japanese. Often, simply using the friend's name or implying the relationship through context is more natural.
I had lunch with a friend.
友達 is the most common, everyday word. 友人 is more formal and often used in writing or polite speech. 仲間 implies a shared activity or group membership, like teammates or colleagues, and carries a sense of camaraderie.
あの二人は仲良しだ。
Those two are close friends.
I went out for drinks with my work buddies.
Please come with your friend/partner.
フォロワーが増えた。
My followers increased.