Even when we say friends, the level of closeness varies from person to person, right? I think the way you address someone will change depending on whether they are a friend or a best friend. Let's learn to use appropriate expressions for friends in Japanese depending on the level of closeness.
1. Friends (tomodachi)
"Tomodachi" is a word that means friend. Everyone has their own criteria for determining whether someone is a friend or not. In Japan, I get the impression that many people don't call someone they haven't spoken to much or have only met a few times "tomodachi." In particular, calling someone older than you or your boss at work "tomodachi" can come across as rude, so be careful.
Example sentences
Tomorrow is a holiday, so I'll hang out with my friends.
Ashita wa yasumi nanode, tomodachi to issho ni asobu.
Tomorrow is my day off, so I'm going to hang out with my friends.
Example sentences
She is a friend I used to see often in college.
Kanojo wa daigaku jidai ni yoku atte ita tomodachi desu.
She is a friend I used to meet when I was in college.
2. Acquaintance (chijin)
"Chijin" (acquaintance) means someone you know. It gives off a slightly more intimate impression than "tomodachi" (friend), which we introduced earlier, but it actually refers to a broader relationship that includes friends. A similar word to "chijin"is "yūjin" (friend), which is almost the same as "tomodachi". However, both "chijin" and "yūjin" are often used in formal settings. In business settings or weddings, it is better to refer to both "chijin" and "yūjin" as "yūjin" rather than "tomodachi".
Example sentences
Suzuki-san, this is my acquaintance Tanaka-san.
Suzuki-san. Kochira ga chijin no Tanaka-san desu.
Mr. Suzuki, this is my friend, Mr. Tanaka.
Example sentences
On behalf of our friends, Mr. Suzuki will give a speech.
Yūjin wo daihyō shite, Suzuki-sama yori go aisatsu wo itadaki masu.
On behalf of his friends, Mr. Suzuki will give a speech.
Example sentences
With the help of a friend, I was able to succeed.
Chijin no tasuke mo atte, buji seikō suru koto ga dekimashita.
With the help of my acquaintance, I was able to succeed.
3. Dachi
"Dachi" has the same meaning as "tomodachi," meaning friend. "Dachi" is a casual expression and should only be used with really close friends. It's an expression you'll see in Japanese anime and manga, but not many people actually use it.
Example sentences
This guy is my friend.
Koitsu wa ore no dachi da.
This guy is my buddy.
Example sentences
I get along well with my friend.
Dachi towa ki ga au.
I get along with my friend.
Especially close friends can be called "mabudachi," using the word "mabu" which means "really."
Example sentences
Let's stay best friends forever!
Watashitachi wa, itsumademo mabudachi de iyou ne!
We'll be best friends forever!
4. Best friend (shin'yū)
"Best friend (shin'yū)" means a close friend. "Best friend (shin'yū)" refers to someone who is extremely close to you, even among "friends (tomodachi)." Therefore, in Japan, the number of people who can be called "best friends (shin'yū)" varies from person to person, but it seems to be quite small, around 1-5 people per person.
Example sentences
Hanako has been my best friend since elementary school.
Hanako wa shōgakusei kara no shin'yū desu.
Hanako has been my best friend since elementary school.
Example sentences
I'm going to play tennis with my best friend Jiro this Saturday.
Shin'yū no Jirō to kondo no doyōbi ni tenisu wo shimasu.
I will play tennis with my best friend Jiro this Saturday.
5. Childhood friend (osananajimi)
"Osananajimi" means "a friend from childhood." An example of an "Osananajimi" is someone who lives in the neighborhood and has grown up with you since you were little. In modern Japan, when people hear the word "Osananajimi," many people seem to associate it with the opposite sex. This may be due to the influence of Japanese anime and manga.
Example sentences
I don't have any childhood friends.
Watashi niha osananajimi ga imasen.
I have no childhood friends.
Example sentences
I've been with my childhood friend for so long that we get along like family.
Osananajimi to wa issho ni isugite, marude kazoku no yō ni kigaau.
I spend too much time with my childhood friend, and we get along like family.
Next, I'll introduce Japanese honorifics. In Japan, not using honorifics with a name is called "yobisute."Calling someone by their first name can make them uncomfortable if you don't have a trusting relationship with them. For this reason, it's best to use the honorifics I'll introduce below at first.
6. ~chan
"~chan" is a title of respect, and is often used when referring to a woman's name. "Chan" can be added to the end of a name, such as "Hanako-chan." It is a childish expression, so it is rarely used when referring to an adult.
Example sentences
Hanako-chan, let's play again!
Hanako-chan, mata asobō ne!
Hanako-chan, let's play again!
7. ~kun
"~kun" is a title of respect, and is often used when addressing a man's name. It is used in the same way as "chan." Like "chan," it is a childish expression. However, there are situations when "~kun" can also be used when addressing adults. This is when a person in a higher position calls the name of a subordinate. In this case, "~kun" can be used not only for men, but also for women.
Example sentences
I went to the park with Taro yesterday.
Kinō wa Tarō-kun to issho ni kōen ni ikimashita.
I went to the park with Taro yesterday.
Example sentences
Sato-kun, were you able to prepare the documents I asked you to prepare yesterday?
Satō-kun, kinō tanonde oita shorui no sakusei wa dekita?
Sato-kun, did you complete the documents I requested yesterday?
8. ~san
"~san" is a title of respect. "~san" is more polite than "chan" or "kun." Furthermore, it can be used by both men and women. Therefore, it can be used in any situation, and if you're unsure, it might be best to use "~san." If you're close with the person, using "~san" can come across as unsociable, so it's better to add "chan" or "kun" or use the honorific "yobisute."
Example sentences
Sato-san, thank you for your help during this meeting.
Satō-san, konkai no kaigi de wa osewani narimasu.
Mr. Sato, thank you for your support at this conference.
Example sentences
Tamura-san, would you like tea or coffee?
Tamura-san wa, ocha to kōhī dochira wo onomi ni narimasu ka?
Mr. Tamura, which would you like to drink, tea or coffee?
An even more polite way of saying "~san" is "sama." Use "sama"when you want to show the utmost respect to someone, such as a business partner.
Example sentences
Mr. Saito, thank you very much for your help the other day.
Saitō-sama, senjitsu wa taihen osewani nari mashita.
Mr. Saito, thank you very much for your help the other day.
There are various expressions, and it may be difficult to use them properly depending on the level of your friendship. It is best to learn them while actually having conversations in Japanese. If you are even slightly interested in Japanese, You can experience Japanese language lessons taught by experienced teachers for free. Human Academy Japanese Language Learning Plus to Register for free Would you like to try it?