相棒
aibō[a̠ibo̞ː]
The English word 'pal' can be translated into Japanese as 相棒 (aibō).
While 相棒 can be used to refer to a friend, it specifically implies a partner or sidekick who works closely with you or shares a common mission. It is often used to describe a sense of camaraderie similar to what is seen in action media or buddy cop shows.
Meaning: (colloquial) a friend (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
相棒 is a colloquial term. For a more neutral and formal way to say 'friend', you should use 友人. In informal settings, particularly among male friends, the word お前 might be used to say 'you'.
How do you pronounce it?
aibō
Did you know?
- Historically, an 相棒 was the person who helped you carry a 駕籠, a traditional palanquin. You were literally joined together by a single pole to move the passenger.
- In Japanese pop culture, 相棒 is the title of one of the longest-running detective dramas in Japan, reinforcing the 'buddy cop' image of the word.
- In many anime or manga, when a protagonist refers to their 'partner' as 相棒, it signals a bond that is often stronger than familial ties.
Examples in context
- 全く新しいプロジェクトにおいて、私たちは仲間となりました。We became comrades on an entirely new project.
- 俺たちは親友だから、いつも助け合うんだよ。We're best pals, so we always help each other out.
- 彼は俺の最高の相棒だ。Kare wa ore no saikou no aibou da.He is my best pal.
- 新しい相棒を見つけたよ。Atarashii aibou o mitsuketa yo.I found a new pal.
- 君は僕の頼れる相棒だ。Kimi wa boku no tayoreru aibou da.You are my reliable pal.
Example conversation
Two people are talking about working together on a project.
- 健太 Kentaこの仕事、一緒にやってくれないか？Kono shigoto, issho ni yatte kurenai ka?Would you do this job with me?
- 陽葵 Himariいいよ。喜んで手伝うね。Ii yo. Yorokonde tetsudau ne.Sure. I'd be happy to help.
- 健太 Kenta助かるよ。最高の相棒だ！Tasukaru yo. Saikou no aibou da!That helps. You're the best pal!
- 陽葵 Himariふふっ、頑張ろうね、健太。Fufu, ganbarou ne, Kenta.Hehe, let's do our best, Kenta.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 相棒, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 相棒, CC BY-SA 4.0.
