友達として
tomodachi toshite
The Japanese phrase for "as a friend" is 友達として (tomodachi toshite).
This phrase is used to clarify that an emotion, action or relationship is platonic rather than romantic.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is formed by combining the noun 友達 (tomodachi, friend) with the particle combination として (toshite), which means "as" or "in the capacity of" when following a noun.
How do you pronounce it?
tomodachi toshite
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the distinction between 'friend' and 'lover' is often clarified not just by adding 友達として but by the absence of specific honorifics or markers that imply intimacy. Sometimes, being too formal can actually signal that you are strictly 'just friends'.
- In Japanese pop culture, the phrase 'as a friend' is a classic trope used in 'confession rejection' scenes. Using 友達として during a romantic confession is a common way to gently 'friendzone' someone without being overtly rude.
- While 友達として is common in speech, romantic songs often use the word 友 (tomo) for a more poetic or timeless feel of platonic love.
Examples in context
- 友達として好きよ。I like you as a friend.This sentence shows how to express liking someone in a platonic way using 友達として.Tatoeba #11977679 by small_snow, translation #2377626 by CK
- 友達として言ってるんだ。I'm speaking to you as a friend.This sentence illustrates using 友達として to explain the intent behind one's speech.Tatoeba #10628778 by small_snow, translation #2401617 by AlanF_US
- 大好きよ……友達として。I love you… as a friend.This sentence demonstrates how to clarify a romantic-sounding confession by adding 友達として.Tatoeba #10624194 by small_snow, translation #1983481 by Spamster
- 僕は友達として君を支えるよ。As a friend, I'll support you.
- この旅行は仲間として一緒に楽しもう！Let's enjoy this trip together as friends!
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A quiet cafe where a boy is clarifying his intentions to a girl.
- 陽太 Yota変な意味じゃなくて、友達として話してるんだ。Hen na imi janakute, tomodachi to shite hanashiteru nda.I'm not saying it in a weird way, I'm talking to you as a friend.
- 美咲 Misakiあ、そうなんだ。ちょっとびっくりした。A, sou nan da. Chotto bikkuri shita.Oh, I see. I was a little surprised.
- 陽太 Yotaごめん、誤解させちゃったかな。Gomen, gokai sasechatta kana.Sorry, did I make you misunderstand?
- 美咲 Misaki大丈夫だよ、陽太くん。Daijoubu da yo, Youta-kun.It's okay, Youta.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
