Japanese word

仲間

Pronunciation

Romajinakama

Meaning

  • nounfriend

Example

休み時間に仲間と遊びます。yasu mi ji kan ni naka ma to aso bi ma su

I play with my friends at recess.

Illustration for 仲間 (friend)

More examples

わたしの仲間はいつもいっしょに遊びます。wa ta shi no naka ma wa i tsu mo i ssho ni aso bi ma su

My friend always plays with me.

困ったときは、仲間に相談します。koma tta to ki wa naka ma ni sō dan shi ma su

When I have a problem, I consult my friends.

Core concept

Describes people connected through a shared relationship, activity, or group, so the connection can mean friendship, companionship, teamwork, or work association.

Common phrases

  • 仲間と協力するnaka ma to kyō ryoku su ru

    work with teammates

  • 仲間同士naka ma dō shi

    among friends

  • 仲間を大切にするnaka ma o tai setsu ni su ru

    value one's friends

Similar words

友達tomodachi: A person with whom one has a friendly personal relationship.
同僚dōryō: A person who works in the same workplace or organization as another person.
相棒aibō: A person who works or acts closely with another person as a partner.
同志dōshi: A person who shares another person's aim, belief, or cause.

Definition in Japanese

同じ目的や活動を共にする人や、親しい関係にある人。ona ji moku teki ya katsu dō o tomo ni su ru hito ya shita shi i kan kei ni a ru hito

Word origin

The native Japanese word 仲間 (nakama, "companion") combines 仲 (naka, "relationship") with 間 (ma, "space or interval") to name people connected in the same circle or activity.

Usage tips

  • In the familiar expression 仲間外れ (nakamahazure), 仲間 (nakama, "companion") refers to the group from which someone is excluded.

Other meanings

  • companionnoun
  • teammatenoun
  • colleaguenoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word