noun
companion; person one is with
Refers to a person accompanying someone, often in the context of going somewhere together. Can be used for friends, partners, or anyone you are with.
明日は連れと一緒に映画を見に行く。
I'm going to see a movie with my companion tomorrow.
彼は連れもなく一人でパーティーに来た。
He came to the party alone, without a companion.
noun
tritagonist; second supporting character
A term from noh theatre, referring to the companion of the shite (main character). Usually written in katakana as ツレ.
能では、シテの相手役をツレと呼ぶ。
In noh, the companion role to the shite is called the tsure.
Derived from the verb 連れる (つれる, 'to take along'). The noun form 連れ refers to the person who is taken along or accompanies.