deceased friend
A somewhat formal or literary term for a friend who has passed away. Often used in eulogies, obituaries, or reflective writing.
I dedicate this poem in memory of my deceased friend.
He carried on the business, following the wishes of his late friend.
Standard kanji spelling for 'deceased friend'.
Mixed kana-kanji spelling; less common but still used.
Compound of 亡き (naki), the classical attributive form of 亡し (nashi, 'dead, deceased'), and 友 (tomo, 'friend'). The reading なきとも is a straightforward combination.