a friend is a good thing to have; a good friend is a great blessing
Proverb emphasizing the value of having friends. Often used when a friend helps you out or shows kindness.
Helping me out when I'm in trouble—a friend is truly a good thing to have.
They say a friend is a good thing to have, and I really think so.
Standard kanji spelling for this proverb.
Variant using 物 for もの; less common but seen.
A set phrase combining 持つべき (should have) + もの (thing) + は (topic marker) + 友 (friend). The exact origin is uncertain, but it is a common Japanese proverb.