Nuance & Usage
友達 is the most common word for "friend" in everyday Japanese. It can refer to one friend or friends in general (Japanese nouns don't inherently distinguish singular/plural). Related words: 親友 (shin'yuu — best friend, close friend), 友人 (yuujin — friend, more formal/written), 仲間 (nakama — companion, comrade). The expression 友達になる (tomodachi ni naru) means "to become friends."
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes add a plural marker: 友達たち is possible but often redundant since 友達 already implies either singular or plural based on context. Also, Japanese distinguishes levels of friendship more subtly: 知り合い (shiriai — acquaintance) < 友達 (friend) < 親友 (close friend). Using 友達 for someone you just met might feel too familiar — 知り合い is more appropriate.
Example Sentences (3)
友達と一緒に買い物に行きました。
ともだちといっしょにかいものにいきました。
I went shopping with my friend.
日本で友達がたくさんできました。
にほんでともだちがたくさんできました。
I made a lot of friends in Japan.
友達に日本語を教えています。
ともだちににほんごをおしえています。
I am teaching Japanese to my friend.
Quick Quiz
Quick Quiz
N54 questionsTest your knowledge of 友達 with 4 different question types.
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