Meaning

Primary

Close Friend

Alternatives

Best Friend, Good Friend

Word Type

noun

Explanation

A friend who is like one of your parents is someone who will look out for you. They are like family, in fact! That's why this word means best friend or close friend. Just imagine someone who watches over you like a parent would. This is the way to describe them.

Reading

しんゆう
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you'll know how to read this as well.

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • 親友になる

    to become close friends

    親友になれる

    able to become close friends

    親友に言う

    to say to a close friend

Context Sentences

親友の考えに反対した。

I opposed my best friend's thoughts.

私たちって、友人以上、親友以下よね。

We are more than friends but less than best friends, don't you think?

レイチェルとは去年の夏に出会って、すぐに親友になりました。

I met Rachel last summer and soon became best friends with her.

親友のバースデープレゼントに一頭のラマをあげようと思ってるんです。

I'm thinking of giving my best friend a llama as a birthday present.

Kanji Composition