二人の友達
futari no tomodachi
The phrase "two friends" in Japanese is expressed as 二人の友達 (futari no tomodachi).
This phrase refers to a group consisting of two people who are friends.
Which one should you use?
You can also use 二人の友だち for a more informal tone. If you wish to emphasize that the two people are close, you may use 仲良しの二人, which means "two close friends".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 友達 (tomodachi) does not change its form to indicate plurality. The number of friends is determined by the preceding counter.
How do you pronounce it?
futari no tomodachi
Did you know?
- When two friends are so close they share everything, they might be described as 一心同体 (isshin dōtai). This phrase literally means 'one heart, same body'.
- When talking about two friends, Japanese speakers often use the phrase 二人三脚 (ninin sankyaku), which means 'two people three legs'. While it describes a race, it is used metaphorically to describe two friends working in perfect unison.
- Japanese uses different words for friends based on the 'direction' of the friendship. A friend you look up to is a 先輩 (senpai), whereas a friend you mentor is a 後輩 (kōhai), regardless of whether they are one of your 'two friends'.
Examples in context
- 二人の友達が公園にいます。Futari no tomodachi ga kouen ni imasu.Two friends are in the park.
- 彼は二人の友達と一緒に旅行しました。Kare wa futari no tomodachi to issho ni ryokou shimashita.He traveled together with two friends.
- 二人の友達に会う約束があります。Futari no tomodachi ni au yakusoku ga arimasu.I have plans to meet two friends.
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are talking about their weekend plans at a cafe.
- 結衣 Yui週末、二人の友達と映画を見に行きます。Shuumatsu, futari no tomodachi to eiga o mi ni ikimasu.I am going to see a movie with two friends this weekend.
- 陽太 Yotaそれは楽しそうだね。Sore wa tanoshisou da ne.That sounds like fun.
- 結衣 Yuiうん、陽太君も一緒に行く？Un, Yota-kun mo issho ni iku?Yeah, do you want to come too, Yota?
- 陽太 Yotaごめん、その日は予定があるんだ。Gomen, sono hi wa yotei ga arunda.Sorry, I have plans that day.
