Translation guide
The English word "girlfriend" can mean either a romantic partner or a female friend. Japanese uses completely different words for these meanings, and context is crucial. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
Referring to a female romantic partner, similar to 'girlfriend' in a dating context.
The standard word for a romantic girlfriend. Also means 'she', so context is important. Used by all ages, but especially common among younger people.
I went to see a movie with my girlfriend.
I got a girlfriend.
Gender-neutral term for a romantic partner (boyfriend/girlfriend). Use when gender is unknown or irrelevant, or to be inclusive. More formal/literary than 彼女.
Polite form used when referring to someone else's girlfriend. Adding さん shows respect.
Tanaka's girlfriend is very kind.
Referring to a female friend without romantic implications.
The most common and natural way to say 'female friend'. Clearly platonic. Used in casual conversation.
Yesterday I went shopping with a female friend.
More formal and polite way to say 'female friend'. Suitable for formal situations or when speaking respectfully.
Simply 'friend'. Gender is often omitted in Japanese when clear from context. If you've already mentioned the person's name or used a feminine pronoun, 友達 alone can imply 'girlfriend' in the platonic sense.
A more casual, slightly old-fashioned or literary term for a female friend. Not commonly used in modern everyday speech.
He reunited with a female friend from childhood.
How to address your girlfriend directly or refer to her in conversation.
In Japanese, you typically address your girlfriend by her first name with an appropriate honorific. ちゃん is common for girlfriends, while さん is more polite or used early in a relationship. Avoid using 彼女 to address her directly; it sounds impersonal.
Hanako, do you want to eat this?
Misaki, thank you for today.
Couples may use nicknames or pet names, but these are highly personal and vary widely. Common patterns include shortening the name (e.g., あっちゃん for あつこ) or using English terms like ダーリン (darling). Use only if you know the couple's dynamic.
Hey darling, help me a bit.
Never use ガールフレンド or 彼女 to mean a platonic female friend. ガールフレンド almost always implies romance, and 彼女 can cause confusion. Stick to 女友達 or 女性の友人.
She is my (platonic) female friend.
彼女 (かのじょ) means 'girlfriend' in a romantic sense or 'she'. 女友達 (おんなともだち) explicitly means a platonic female friend. If you say 彼女がいます, it means 'I have a girlfriend' (romantic). To say 'I have a female friend', use 女友達がいます.
彼女 (かのじょ) is also the standard pronoun for 'she'. Context usually makes the meaning clear. If ambiguity arises, you can clarify by saying 彼女の彼女 (her girlfriend) or use ガールフレンド for the romantic partner.
She lives with her girlfriend.
Loanword from English. Less common than 彼女, but understood. Can sound slightly old-fashioned or like 'girlfriend' in a Western context. Sometimes used to avoid ambiguity with 'she'.
He introduced his new girlfriend.
恋人がいますか？
Do you have a girlfriend/boyfriend?
She's just a female friend.
I received an invitation from a female friend.
彼女は私の一番の友達です。
She is my best friend.