хочешь дружить
khochesh' druzhit'
In Russian, to say 'want to be friends' is хочешь дружить (khochesh' druzhit').
This phrase is used as a request to ask someone if they would like to start a friendship.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase хочешь дружить is composed of the second-person singular form of 'want' (хочешь) and the imperfective infinitive 'to be friends/to engage in friendship' (дружить).
Which one should you use?
For example, Хочешь быть друзьями? translates to 'Do you want to be friends?' and Можно быть друзьями? means 'Can we be friends?'
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing someone formally or when addressing a group of people, use the plural/polite form хотите дружить.
How do you pronounce it?
khochesh' druzhit'
When do people say it?
If someone asks you to be friends, a common way to respond affirmatively is to say Давай будем дружить ('Let's be friends').
Did you know?
- The word дружить can also be used figuratively to describe objects or people that are 'in harmony' or 'work well together', such as tools or even spices in a dish.
- In Russia, the concept of дружба ('friendship') is often viewed as a sacred, lifelong bond, making the request хочешь дружить feel more serious than a casual English invitation to be friends.
- In many Russian social contexts, asking хочешь дружить might sound overly formal or childlike, like a request from a schoolyard. Adults often prefer to express friendship through shared activities rather than asking for the status directly.
Examples in context
- Ты хочешь дружить?Ty khochesh' druzhit'?Do you want to be friends?
Example conversation
Two students meeting for the first time at university.
- Андрей AndreyПривет! Я Андрей, я учусь здесь.Privet! Ya Andrey, ya uchus' zdes'.Hi! I'm Andrey, I study here.
- Анастасия AnastasiaПривет, Андрей! Я Анастасия. Очень приятно.Privet, Andrey! Ya Anastasiya. Ochen' priyatno.Hi, Andrey! I'm Anastasia. Nice to meet you.
- Анастасия AnastasiaТы кажешься добрым, хочешь дружить?Ty kazhesh'sya dobrym, khochesh' druzhit'?You seem kind, do you want to be friends?
- Андрей AndreyКонечно, я с радостью!Konechno, ya s radost'yu!Of course, I'd love to!
