仲間
nakama[na̠ka̠ma̠]
The English word "companion" can be translated into Japanese using several terms, most commonly 仲間 (nakama). Wiktionary also lists 友人 (yūjin) and 同伴者 (dōhansha).
Meaning: someone with whom one spends time or keeps company (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 仲間 | nakama | [na̠ka̠ma̠] (narrow) |
| 友人 | yūjin | [jɯ̟ːʑĩɴ] (narrow) |
| 同伴者 | dōhansha | [do̞ːhã̠ɰ̃ɕa̠] (narrow) |
The term for companion depends heavily on whether you are referring to a close comrade, a formal friend or an individual accompanying someone in a technical or official capacity.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 同伴者 literally means "accompanying person", consisting of the characters 同 (same), 伴 (accompany) and 者 (person).
Which one should you use?
友人 is a more formal and polite way to express the concept of a friend. 同伴者 is a technical or formal term used to describe a person accompanying someone, which is frequently seen in official contexts such as travel or events.
How do you pronounce it?
nakama
Did you know?
- The word 仲間 can also be used to describe a group of people who are 'in on' a secret or involved in a crime together, similar to the English word 'accomplice'.
- While 仲間 means companion, in Japanese pop culture it often implies a deep, unbreakable bond of comradeship forged through shared struggle, such as in 'One Piece'.
- The term 友人 is so polite that using it to describe a close childhood friend might actually create a sense of emotional distance, making you sound cold.
Examples in context
- わたしの友と一緒に行きますI will go with my companion.
- 一緒に旅行する人A person to travel with
- 仲のいい友達A close friend/companion
- 彼は私の大切な仲間です。Kare wa watashi no taisetsu na nakama desu.He is an important companion of mine.
- 新しい仲間が増えました。Atarashii nakama ga fuemashita.New companions have been added.
- 旅の仲間を探しています。Tabi no nakama o sagashite imasu.I am looking for travel companions.
Example conversation
A student talking to a friend about a club activity.
- 大翔 Hiroto新しい仲間はできましたか？Atarashii nakama wa dekimashita ka?Have you found new companions?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、素敵な仲間ができましたよ。Hai, suteki na nakama ga dekimashita yo.Yes, I found some wonderful companions.
- 大翔 Hirotoそれは良かったです。Sore wa yokatta desu.That is good to hear.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔さんも一緒にどうですか？Hiroto-san mo issho ni dou desu ka?How about joining us too, Hiroto?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “companion” translations and entries 仲間, 友人, 同伴者, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
