友情を深める
yujō o fukameru
deepen friendship
Literally: 友情 (friendship) + を (object marker) + 深める (to deepen)
In 15 Seconds
- Strengthening a platonic bond through shared experiences.
- Commonly used for trips, hobbies, or team-building.
- Suggests moving beyond surface-level acquaintance to true friendship.
Meaning
This phrase describes the process of making a friendship stronger and more meaningful. It's like moving from being 'just acquaintances' to 'true friends' by spending quality time together.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a recent trip
旅行のおかげで、彼との友情を深めることができました。
Thanks to the trip, I was able to deepen my friendship with him.
A formal speech at a welcome party
この会を通じて、皆様と友情を深めたいと思います。
Through this gathering, I hope to deepen my friendship with everyone.
Texting a friend after a long talk
昨日は本音で話せて、友情が深まった気がするよ！
I feel like our friendship deepened since we talked honestly yesterday!
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Nomunication' (Drinking + Communication) is a primary way to {友情|ゆうじょう}を{深|ふか}める in Japanese society. School trips (Shūgaku Ryokō) are specifically designed to help students {友情|ゆうじょう}を{深|ふか}める through shared living. Gift-giving (Omiyage) is not just a formality; it is a tool to maintain and {深|ふか}める relationships. The term 'Kizuna' (bond) became a national keyword after the 2011 earthquake, often replacing 'Yūjō' in emotional contexts.
Use with 'Shared Hardship'
Japanese people believe that overcoming a problem together is the fastest way to {友情|ゆうじょう}を{深|ふか}める. Mentioning a 'pinch' (tough spot) you shared makes this phrase more powerful.
Transitive vs Intransitive
Remember: YOU {深|ふか}める (fukameru) the friendship, but the friendship {深|ふか}まる (fukamaru) by itself. Don't mix up the particles 'o' and 'ga'!
In 15 Seconds
- Strengthening a platonic bond through shared experiences.
- Commonly used for trips, hobbies, or team-building.
- Suggests moving beyond surface-level acquaintance to true friendship.
What It Means
友情を深める is all about building a stronger bond. Imagine a shallow pool getting deeper over time. That is your friendship. It is not just about meeting someone new. It is about making that existing connection more solid. You use this when you share experiences that create trust.
How To Use It
You usually pair this with activities. For example, traveling together or sharing a long meal. It often appears in the form 〜を通して友情を深める. This means 'deepening friendship through [activity]'. It sounds warm but also a bit polished. You can use it in cards or speeches. You can also use it when talking about your social goals.
When To Use It
Use this after a great weekend trip with buddies. Use it when describing a club or a hobby group. It is perfect for a toast at a wedding. It also works well in business contexts. For example, a team-building retreat is for 友情を深める. It shows you value the human connection, not just the work. Even a simple coffee date can be a way to do this.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for romantic partners. For romance, use 仲を深める instead. 友情 specifically means 'platonic friendship'. Also, do not use it for people you just met. You cannot 'deepen' something that does not exist yet! It might sound a bit too heavy for a casual 'hi' to a neighbor. Keep it for people you actually want to be closer to.
Cultural Background
In Japan, trust is built slowly over time. This is called trust-building. Japanese culture values long-term stability in relationships. Deepening a friendship is seen as a virtuous goal. It is not just about having fun. It is about creating a support system. Many school festivals and company trips are designed for this exact purpose. They want people to move past surface-level politeness.
Common Variations
You might hear 仲を深める. This is more casual and covers all types of relationships. If you want to sound very intense, use 絆を深める. 絆 means 'bonds' or 'ties'. It is often used after surviving a disaster together. For a very formal setting, you might say 親交を深める. This is common in diplomatic or high-end business letters. Choose the one that fits your current vibe!
Usage Notes
This is a neutral to slightly polite collocation. It is safe for almost any situation except for romantic confessions or very casual slang-filled conversations.
Use with 'Shared Hardship'
Japanese people believe that overcoming a problem together is the fastest way to {友情|ゆうじょう}を{深|ふか}める. Mentioning a 'pinch' (tough spot) you shared makes this phrase more powerful.
Transitive vs Intransitive
Remember: YOU {深|ふか}める (fukameru) the friendship, but the friendship {深|ふか}まる (fukamaru) by itself. Don't mix up the particles 'o' and 'ga'!
The 'Jikkuri' Pairing
Pair this with the adverb 'jikkuri' (slowly and thoroughly) to sound like a pro. 'Jikkuri yūjō o fukameru' sounds very natural.
Examples
6旅行のおかげで、彼との友情を深めることができました。
Thanks to the trip, I was able to deepen my friendship with him.
A very standard way to describe the result of a shared event.
この会を通じて、皆様と友情を深めたいと思います。
Through this gathering, I hope to deepen my friendship with everyone.
Using the 'wish' form makes it polite and welcoming.
昨日は本音で話せて、友情が深まった気がするよ！
I feel like our friendship deepened since we talked honestly yesterday!
Using the intransitive '深まった' describes the feeling of the bond growing.
激辛ラーメンを食べて、苦しみの中で友情を深めました。
We deepened our friendship through the pain of eating super spicy ramen.
Humorously suggests that shared suffering creates a bond.
部活動は、仲間と友情を深める最高の場所です。
Club activities are the best place to deepen friendships with peers.
A classic sentiment for students in Japan.
異業種交流会で、新しい仲間との友情を深めました。
I deepened friendships with new colleagues at the cross-industry mixer.
Shows that 'friendship' can exist in professional networking too.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb.
{一緒|いっしょ}に{過|す}ごす{時間|じかん}が{増|ふ}えて、{彼|かれ}との{友情|ゆうじょう}が（ ）。
Since the subject is '{友情|ゆうじょう}が', you must use the intransitive verb '{深|ふか}まる' in the past tense.
Which sentence is the most natural for a wedding speech?
Choose the best option:
'{深|ふか}める' is the correct collocation, and 'mairimashita' adds the appropriate humble formality for a speech.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {今度|こんど}のキャンプ、{楽|たの}しみだね！ B: うん、みんなで（ ）ね。
The volitional form 'yō' is used to suggest doing something together.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises{一緒|いっしょ}に{過|す}ごす{時間|じかん}が{増|ふ}えて、{彼|かれ}との{友情|ゆうじょう}が（ ）。
Since the subject is '{友情|ゆうじょう}が', you must use the intransitive verb '{深|ふか}まる' in the past tense.
Choose the best option:
'{深|ふか}める' is the correct collocation, and 'mairimashita' adds the appropriate humble formality for a speech.
A: {今度|こんど}のキャンプ、{楽|たの}しみだね！ B: うん、みんなで（ ）ね。
The volitional form 'yō' is used to suggest doing something together.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsIt's rare. For family, we usually use '{絆|きずな}を{深|ふか}める' (deepen the bond) or '{仲|なか}を{深|ふか}める'. {友情|ゆうじょう} specifically implies 'friendship'.
It's a bit 'heavy' for a quick text. In Line or DM, '{仲|なか}よくなれた' (we became close) or '{仲|なか}を{深|ふか}められた' is more common.
'Fukameru' (deepen) is for intimacy and understanding. 'Tsuyomeru' (strengthen) is for the resilience of the bond. They are often interchangeable, but 'fukameru' is more common for friendship.
Related Phrases
{仲|なか}を{深|ふか}める
similarTo deepen the relationship.
{絆|きずな}を{深|ふか}める
builds onTo deepen the bond.
{親交|しんこう}を{深|ふか}める
specialized formTo deepen social intimacy.
{旧交|きゅうこう}を{温|あたた}める
specialized formTo renew an old friendship (literally 'warm up old friendship').
