This article will give you all of the knowledge you need on the Japanese word tomodachi, including its Japanese definition and translation, example sentences, alternative expressions, and more!
What does tomodachi mean?
The Japanese word tomodachi (友達、ともだち）means friend. Tomodachi also stands for friends as Japanese nouns generally have no plural form. Tomodachi isn’t slang, but it is a fairly casual word that you probably wouldn’t use in more polite conversations (for example, with your boss).
Below, we take a look at some examples of how to use tomodachi in Japanese. I will also discuss a more polite alternative.
To make it easier for you, I have written each sentence in full Japanese kanji on the first line, followed by roman letters (romaji), and hiragana, with the English meaning coming last. I have also highlighted the new word in bold.
Example sentences using tomodachi
もっと日本人の友達が欲しい。
Motto nihon jin no tomodachi ga hoshii.
もっとにほんじんのともだちがほしい。
I want more Japanese friends.
友達との思いでは大切です。
Tomodachi to no omoide wa taisetsu desu.
ともだちとのおもいではたいせつです。
Memories of friends are precious.
今から友達と遊んでくる。
Ima kara tomodachi to asonde kuru.
いまからともだちとあそんでくる。
I’m going to hang out with friends now.
たくまは最高の友達です。
Takuma wa saikou no tomodachi desu.
たくまはさいこうのともだちです。
Takuma is my best friend.
その人はまりえの友達です。
Sono hito wa marie no tomodachi desu.
そのひとはまりえのともだちです。
That person is Marie’s friend.
友達と言っても、まだお互いの事はよく知らない。
Tomodachi to ittemo, mada otagai no koto wa yoku shiranai.
ともだちといっても、まだおたがいのことはよくしらない。
You could say he’s a friend, but we don’t know each other that well yet.
来週、友達と花火を見に行くんだ。
Raishuu, tomodachi to hanabi wo mi ni ikun da.
らいしゅう、ともだちとはなびをみにいくんだ。
I’m going to go watch the fireworks with friends next week.
Yuujin: Friend (polite)
In more polite company, you can use the word yuujin (友人、ゆうじん), which also means friend. As indicated by the romaji, the “U” sound is drawn out.
私は友人と食事に行きます。
Watashi wa yuujin to shokuji ni ikimasu.
わたしはゆうじんとしょくじにいきます。
I am going to dinner with a friend.
友人がどこにいるか分かりません。
Yuujin ga doko ni iru ka wakarimasen.
ゆうじんがどこにいるかわかりません。
I don’t know where my friend is.
Rohan's favorite resource for learning Japanese is JapanesePod101, one of the best tools for getting started with the language. Sign up for a free lifetime account here.
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