expression, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', na-adjective
more than friends, less than lovers
Describes a relationship that is emotionally or physically closer than friendship but not yet a full romantic partnership. Often used in youth culture and romance contexts.
私たちは友達以上恋人未満の関係がもう半年も続いている。
We've been in a 'more than friends, less than lovers' relationship for half a year now.
友達以上恋人未満って、一番もどかしい距離かもしれない。
Being more than friends but less than lovers might be the most frustrating distance.
A modern set phrase combining 友達 (friend) + 以上 (more than) + 恋人 (lover) + 未満 (less than). The exact origin is uncertain, but it became popular in youth media and everyday conversation to describe ambiguous romantic relationships.