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友人 — meaning in English: friend

yūjin · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for friend
nodo
遊び
asobi
友人
yūjin
ドリンク
dorinku
借金
shakkin
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neutral common
Usage
Native speakers often use 友人 (yūjin) in both casual and more serious contexts when discussing their close friends. For instance, during a conversation about people they trust deeply or when introducing a friend at a social gathering, they might choose this word to emphasize the significance of the relationship.
Synonyms & nuances
While 友人 (yūjin) is used for friends with whom one shares a strong bond, another term, 仲間 (nakama), refers to companions or peers who may share common interests but don't have the same depth of connection. Choosing 友人 (yūjin) over 仲間 (nakama) indicates a more personal relationship.
Culture
The word 友人 (yūjin) is derived from the combination of two characters: 友 (yū), meaning 'friend,' and 人 (jin), meaning 'person.' This term reflects the importance of camaraderie in Japanese culture, where friendships can often be seen as a vital support system throughout one's life. Interestingly, in Japan, friendships are often categorized into different levels, with 友人 being a term for a close but not necessarily the closest friend.
FAQ
Q.What is the correct pronunciation of 友人?
The correct pronunciation of 友人 is 'yūjin.' The 'yū' is pronounced like 'you' and 'jin' is pronounced like 'jean.'
Q.Can I use 友人 in formal situations?
Yes, 友人 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile. It's suitable for introductions, speeches, or when writing about friendships.
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 友人?
A common mistake is using 友人 to describe casual acquaintances. Instead, use 知人 (chijin) or just 友達 (tomodachi) for more casual relationships, reserving 友人 for closer friends.
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