友達として大好き
tomodachi to shite daisuki
The English phrase "I love you, friend" is expressed in Japanese as 友達として大好き (tomodachi to shite daisuki).
This phrase is used specifically to clarify that affection is platonic, preventing the listener from misinterpreting the sentiment as a romantic confession. While a phrase like 好きだよ (I like you) can be used among friends to implicitly express love, and 大好きだよ (I really like you) conveys a strong sense of affection and is often used among close friends, 友達として大好き makes the non-romantic nature of the feeling explicit.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tomodachi (friend), to shite (as/in the capacity of) and daisuki (love/like very much).
Which one should you use?
Using daisuki (love/like very much) instead of aishiteru (deep romantic love) helps maintain the platonic nuance intended by the phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
tomodachi to shite daisuki
Did you know?
- The phrase tomodachi to shite functions as a social shield, explicitly preventing the listener from thinking a 'kokuhaku' or romantic confession is happening.
- Japanese culture places a heavy emphasis on 'kuuki wo yomu', or 'reading the air'. Because of this, explicitly stating 友達として (as a friend) can sometimes make the atmosphere heavy or awkward, as it points out a distinction that the speaker is usually expected to imply through tone.
- Because daisuki is used for both people and things, you can use it to express your love for a favorite food or hobby just as you would for a friend.
Examples in context
- 友達として大好きだよ。Tomodachi toshite daisuki da yo.I love you, friend.
- 君のことは友達として大好きだ。Kimi no koto wa tomodachi toshite daisuki da.I love you as a friend.
Example conversation
Kenta clarifies his feelings to Misaki after a misunderstanding.
- 美咲 Misakiもしかして、私のこと好きなの？Moshikashite, watashi no koto suki na no?Do you perhaps like me?
- 健太 Kentaいや、友達として大好きだよ。Iya, tomodachi toshite daisuki da yo.No, I love you, friend.
- 美咲 Misakiよかった、びっくりした。Yokatta, bikkuri shita.That's a relief, you startled me.
- 健太 Kentaこれからも親友でいてね。Kore kara mo shin'yu de ite ne.Let's stay best friends from now on.
