こちらは私の友達です
kochira wa watashi no tomodachi desu
こちらは私の友達です (kochira wa watashi no tomodachi desu) is the Japanese phrase for "this is my friend".
You use this phrase when you are the one facilitating the introduction between two parties. It is a standard way to present a friend to another person.
What does it mean word for word?
The term こちらは literally means "this direction" or "this way", but it is used as a polite way to say "this person" during an introduction. The phrase 私の uses the particle の as a possessive marker, linking watashi (I/me) to tomodachi (friend) to create "my friend".
Which one should you use?
Using kochira is more polite and formal than using kore (this thing) or kono hito (this person) when introducing a person.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
こちらは私の友達です is a polite and standard way to introduce a friend to someone else.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle の functions as a possessive marker, linking watashi to tomodachi to express "my friend".
How do you pronounce it?
kochira wa watashi no tomodachi desu
Did you know?
- When introducing someone in a professional setting, you might replace 友達 with 知人 (chijin). While 'chijin' translates to 'acquaintance', using it makes the introduction sound more polished and appropriate for business environments.
- When introducing a friend, you might accompany the phrase with a slight bow. The depth of the bow changes depending on whether you are introducing your friend to a peer or a superior.
- While 友達 is the standard word for 'friend', Japanese has a specific term 幼馴染 for a friend who has been known since early childhood. This word emphasizes a shared history that a general 'friend' does not imply.
Examples in context
- これは私の友達です。This is my friend.
- ご紹介します。こちらは私の友人です。Let me introduce you. This person is my friend.
- 大親友だよThey are my best friend / They are my great friend.
- こいつは相棒やでThis here is my buddy / This is my partner.
Example conversation
Misaki introduces her friend to Kenta at a cafe.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さん、こちらは私の友達です。Kenta-san, kochira wa watashi no tomodachi desu.Kenta, this is my friend.
- 健太 Kentaはじめまして！Hajimemashite!Nice to meet you!
- 美咲 Misakiよろしくお願いします。Yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Please be kind to them.
- 健太 Kentaこちらこそよろしくお願いします。Kochira koso yoroshiku onegaishimasu.Nice to meet you too.
