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B1 adjective #4,000 most common 10 min read

仲良し

nakayoshi Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 仲良し in 30 Seconds

Explanation 仲良し in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'Nakayoshi' as a simple way to describe people who are happy together. It is often taught alongside basic family and friend vocabulary. Think of it as 'good friends.' You can use it with 'desu' to describe your classmates or your pets. For example, 'Tanaka-san to Sato-san wa nakayoshi desu' (Mr. Tanaka and Mr. Sato are good friends). It is a very safe and positive word to use in your first Japanese conversations. You don't need to worry about complex grammar; just use it like a noun that describes a 'close' state. It's also a great word to understand when watching Japanese cartoons or reading simple children's books, as it appears frequently to show who the 'good guys' are and how they treat each other. Remember, it's not just for people—you can use it for any two things that seem to belong together or get along well.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'Nakayoshi' in more varied sentence structures. You will learn to use the particle 'to' to say 'with.' For example, 'Inu to nakayoshi ni narimashita' (I became friends with the dog). You should also practice using it to modify other nouns using 'no,' like 'Nakayoshi no tomodachi' (a close friend). At this stage, you might notice that 'nakayoshi' is more descriptive than just 'tomodachi.' While 'tomodachi' is a category, 'nakayoshi' tells us about the feeling between people. You can also use it to describe your siblings or cousins. If you go to a Japanese home and see children playing quietly, you can say 'Nakayoshi desu ne!' to the parents. This is a very natural and polite way to compliment their children's behavior. You are moving beyond simple labels to describing relationships.

At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance of 'Nakayoshi' compared to more formal terms like 'Shin'yū' (best friend) or 'Naka ga yoi' (to be on good terms). You'll start to see 'Nakayoshi' used in media and adult conversation to describe 'couples' or 'harmonious groups.' You should be comfortable using the phrase 'Nakayoshi ni naru' (to hit it off/become close) in various tenses. You might also encounter it in a slightly teasing way. For example, if two coworkers are always together, someone might say 'Nakayoshi ne!' with a wink. At this level, you should also be aware of the noun form 'Nakayoshi-san' which is a playful way to refer to a close pair. You'll also see it used in compound words like 'Nakayoshi gurūpu' (a clique or close-knit group). It's important to recognize that while it's a 'warm' word, it's not always appropriate for strictly professional or formal reporting.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'Nakayoshi' to discuss social dynamics and group harmony (wa). You will understand its use in idiomatic expressions or cultural contexts, such as 'Nakayoshi-gokko' (pretending to be friends), which implies a superficial or forced harmony to maintain social peace. You should be able to distinguish when 'Nakayoshi' is being used sincerely versus when it's used sarcastically or to describe a 'closed' group that might be excluding others. You can use it to describe complex relationships, like 'Nakayoshi dakedo, raibaru' (Close friends, but rivals). At this stage, your use of the word should reflect an understanding of Japanese social expectations—where getting along is often a duty as much as a personal feeling. You might also encounter the word in literary contexts where it describes a nostalgic or idealized bond from childhood.

At the C1 level, you will explore the deeper psychological and sociological implications of 'Nakayoshi.' You might analyze how the 'Nakayoshi' ideal influences Japanese corporate culture or educational policy. You should be able to discuss the word's etymology and its connection to other 'Naka' (relationship) words like 'Nakama' (comrade/peer) and 'Naka-mutsumajii' (harmonious/intimate). You'll notice the word in sophisticated social commentary, perhaps discussing the 'pressures' of having to be 'nakayoshi' with everyone in a group. Your usage should be precise—knowing when to use the more adult 'Naka ga yoi' and when 'Nakayoshi' provides the exact emotional color needed for a story or a personal anecdote. You can also use it to describe abstract concepts, like the 'nakayoshi' relationship between two different cultures or industries in a metaphorical sense.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of 'Nakayoshi' and can use it with all its subtle overtones. You can use it in high-level creative writing to evoke specific atmospheres—perhaps a bittersweet memory of a 'nakayoshi' bond that has since faded. You understand its place in the history of the Japanese language and how its usage has evolved from a child-centric term to a broader social descriptor. You can effortlessly switch between 'Nakayoshi' and its most formal, archaic, or slang counterparts to suit the exact register of your audience. You might even use it to critique social structures, discussing the 'Nakayoshi-Kaikyū' (friendly class) or the way 'Nakayoshi' is marketed in 'kawaii' culture. Your understanding is not just linguistic but deeply cultural, recognizing the word as a pillar of the Japanese ideal of social cohesion.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

仲良し in 30 Seconds

Nakayoshi means 'close friends' or 'getting along well,' emphasizing relationship quality.
It is used for people, couples, and even animals on good terms.
Commonly paired with 'desu' or 'ni naru' (to become friends).
Carries a warm, sometimes youthful or affectionate connotation in Japanese.

The Japanese word 仲良し (なかよし, Nakayoshi) is a quintessential term used to describe a state of harmony, closeness, and positive rapport between individuals. While it is frequently translated as 'good friends' or 'close,' its linguistic roots provide a deeper insight into the Japanese social fabric. The word is composed of naka (仲), meaning relationship or middle, and yoshi (良し), meaning good. Therefore, it literally signifies that the 'relationship is good.' Unlike the word tomodachi (friend), which describes a status or category of person, nakayoshi describes the quality of the interaction itself. It is often used to describe pairs or groups who spend a lot of time together, share secrets, and rarely argue. In Japanese culture, where social harmony (wa) is highly valued, being nakayoshi is seen as an ideal state of being for any social unit, from siblings to classmates to coworkers.

Social Nuance: While 'nakayoshi' is a positive term, it carries a slightly soft, often affectionate or even 'cute' (kawaii) connotation. It is the primary word children use to describe their best friends, but adults use it too to describe couples who are still very much in love or colleagues who get along exceptionally well. It implies a lack of friction and a presence of mutual affection.
Grammatical Flexibility: It acts as a 'no-adjective' or a noun. You can say 'Nakayoshi na futari' (a close pair) or simply 'Futari wa nakayoshi desu' (The two are close). It doesn't just apply to humans; it's very common to describe two pets, like a cat and a dog, who sleep together as 'nakayoshi.'

あの二人は本当に仲良しですね。どこへ行くのも一緒です。(Ano futari wa hontō ni nakayoshi desu ne. Doko e iku no mo issho desu.)

Translation: Those two are really close, aren't they? They go everywhere together.

In a broader sense, nakayoshi represents the absence of 'kenka' (quarrels). When parents tell their children 'Nakayoshi shite ne,' they are saying 'Play nicely and don't fight.' It is a word that evokes warmth and stability. In the workplace, a 'nakayoshi gurūpu' might refer to a clique or a group of coworkers who socialize outside of work. However, one must be careful; in highly professional settings, calling a relationship 'nakayoshi' might sound slightly informal or juvenile. For business partnerships, terms like 'ryōkō na kankei' (good relationship) are preferred, whereas 'nakayoshi' is reserved for the emotional bond between people.

犬と猫が仲良しに昼寝をしています。(Inu to neko ga nakayoshi ni hirune o shite imasu.)

Translation: The dog and cat are taking a nap together like good friends.

Cultural Context: The term is so pervasive that it's the title of a famous shōjo manga magazine, 'Nakayoshi,' which has been running since the 1950s. This highlights its association with youth, friendship, and wholesome relationships.

クラスのみんなと仲良しになりたいです。(Kurasu no minna to nakayoshi ni naritai desu.)

Translation: I want to become good friends with everyone in the class.

Using 仲良し correctly requires understanding its role as both a noun and a quasi-adjective. It is most commonly used with the copula desu or da, or paired with the particle no to modify another noun. Unlike standard adjectives like tanoshii (fun), nakayoshi does not change its ending. It is a fixed state. One of the most common patterns is [Person A] to [Person B] wa nakayoshi desu. This directly states that the two are on good terms. If you want to describe a group, you can say Karera wa nakayoshi gurūpu da (They are a close-knit group).

Verb Pairings: The most frequent verb used with this word is naru (to become). 'Nakayoshi ni naru' means to become friends or to hit it off with someone. Another common verb is suru (to do), often used as 'Nakayoshi shite ne' (Be friendly/Play nice).

新しい学校で、すぐに仲良しができました。(Atarashii gakkō de, sugu ni nakayoshi ga dekimashita.)

Translation: At the new school, I quickly made a close friend.

Another interesting usage is as an adverbial phrase using the particle de. 'Nakayoshi de iru' means to remain on good terms. For example, 'Itsumade mo nakayoshi de itai' (I want us to be close forever). This emphasizes the continuity of the relationship. In casual conversation, you might hear people use it to tease couples: 'Atsu-atsu no nakayoshi-san da ne!' (You guys are a lovey-dovey close couple, aren't you!). The addition of '-san' makes it even more personified and playful.

兄弟はいつも仲良しで遊んでいます。(Kyōdai wa itsumo nakayoshi de asonde imasu.)

Translation: The brothers are always playing together as good friends.

Negation: To say people are NOT getting along, you would typically say 'Nakayoshi dewa nai' or 'Naka ga warui' (the relationship is bad). 'Nakayoshi' itself is so inherently positive that it's rarely used in the negative unless specifically contrasting a previous state of friendship.

私たちは幼馴染で、ずっと仲良しです。(Watashitachi wa osananajimi de, zutto nakayoshi desu.)

Translation: We are childhood friends and have been close forever.

You will encounter 仲良し in almost every facet of Japanese daily life, but its frequency is highest in social and domestic contexts. In schools, teachers use it to promote a bullying-free environment. You'll hear 'Minna nakayoshi!' (Everyone, get along!) shouted on playgrounds. In the media, particularly in variety shows and celebrity gossip, the word is used to describe 'shipping' or the chemistry between two stars. If two actors are seen having dinner together, the headlines might scream 'Nakayoshi dēto?' (A 'close friends' date?), using the word to hint at a possible romance without being explicit.

Anime and Manga: In anime, characters often use 'nakayoshi' to define their group dynamics. A 'nakayoshi gurūpu' is a staple trope in slice-of-life anime, representing a sanctuary of friendship. Characters might also use it ironically or sarcastically when two rivals are forced to work together.

テレビ番組で、あの二人の仲良しぶりが話題になっています。(Terebi bangumi de, ano futari no nakayoshi-buri ga wadai ni natte imasu.)

Translation: On the TV show, the closeness of those two has become a hot topic.

In the family home, parents use nakayoshi to describe the relationship between siblings or even their own relationship with their spouse. A 'nakayoshi fūfu' is a happily married couple who still act like best friends. This is a high compliment in Japan, where sometimes marital roles can become very rigid and formal. Hearing that a couple is 'nakayoshi' suggests they still have fun together and enjoy each other's company deeply.

近所の仲良しおじいさんたちが将棋をしています。(Kinjo no nakayoshi ojiisan-tachi ga shōgi o shite imasu.)

Translation: The friendly neighborhood old men are playing shogi together.

Workplace Harmony: While 'nakayoshi' is informal, it is used in corporate 'teambuilding' contexts. A manager might say, 'Kono chimu wa nakayoshi sugiru' (This team is too close/friendly), which could be a compliment about their synergy or a mild critique that they are socializing too much instead of working.

お二人は本当に仲良しですね。羨ましいです。(Ofutari wa hontō ni nakayoshi desu ne. Urayamashii desu.)

Translation: You two are really close. I'm jealous!

The most common mistake learners make with 仲良し is treating it like a standard 'i-adjective' or failing to recognize its slightly juvenile tone. Because it ends in 'shi,' some beginners try to conjugate it like 'nakayoshikatta,' which is incorrect. It should be 'nakayoshi datta.' Furthermore, using it in a very formal business proposal or a serious legal document would be out of place. It carries a sense of emotional warmth that is too 'soft' for high-level professional discourse.

Mistake: Confusing with 'Tomodachi': A common error is saying 'Watashi wa nakayoshi ga imasu' (I have a close friend). While understandable, it is more natural to say 'Watashi ni wa nakayoshi no tomodachi ga imasu' or 'Watashi wa [Name]-san to nakayoshi desu.' Using 'nakayoshi' as a stand-alone noun for a person is mostly done by children.

❌ 彼は私の仲良しです。(Kare wa watashi no nakayoshi desu.)
✅ 彼は私の親友です。/ 彼とは仲良しです。(Kare wa watashi no shin'yū desu. / Kare to wa nakayoshi desu.)

Explanation: While 'nakayoshi' can mean 'close friend,' as a noun it's better to use 'shin'yū' (best friend) or use 'nakayoshi' as a state with 'to wa'.

Another mistake is using it for people you have just met. Nakayoshi implies a history of getting along or a visible bond. If you just met someone and want to say you're getting along, you might say 'Ki ga aimasu ne' (We seem to click) rather than 'We are nakayoshi.' Also, be aware of the 'Nakayoshi-gokko' pitfall. This phrase (literally 'playing at being close') is a derogatory term used to describe a fake or superficial friendship where people only pretend to get along to avoid conflict.

❌ 社長と私は仲良しです。(Shachō to watashi wa nakayoshi desu.)
✅ 社長には目をかけていただいています。(Shachō ni wa me o kakete itadaite imasu.)

Explanation: Use humble/polite language for superiors. The green sentence means 'The CEO looks after me/favors me.'

Pronunciation Trap: Ensure you don't stress the 'yo' too much. The pitch accent is generally flat (Heiban), so 'na-ka-yo-shi' should flow smoothly without a sharp rise in the middle.

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for friendship, and choosing the right word depends on the depth and nature of the bond. While 仲良し is about getting along and being close, other words focus on loyalty, shared history, or social category. Understanding these distinctions will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise.

仲良し (Nakayoshi) vs. 友達 (Tomodachi): 'Tomodachi' is the generic word for 'friend.' You can have 100 'tomodachi,' but you are only 'nakayoshi' with those you actually like and spend time with. 'Nakayoshi' is a quality; 'Tomodachi' is a label.
仲良し (Nakayoshi) vs. 親友 (Shin'yū): 'Shin'yū' means 'best friend' or 'close friend.' It is more formal and serious than 'nakayoshi.' You would use 'shin'yū' in a speech or a serious conversation. 'Nakayoshi' is more descriptive of the visible harmony between people.
仲良し (Nakayoshi) vs. 仲が良い (Naka ga yoi): These are very similar. 'Naka ga yoi' is the standard polite way to say 'on good terms.' 'Nakayoshi' is more colloquial and has a warmer, slightly cuter vibe. Use 'Naka ga yoi' in adult, neutral situations.

彼女とは仲が良いですが、親友というわけではありません。(Kanojo to wa naka ga yoi desu ga, shin'yū to iu wake dewa arimasen.)

Translation: I'm on good terms with her, but I wouldn't call her a 'best friend.'

Other alternatives include mabudachi (slang for 'true friend,' mostly used by older generations or ironically now) and kokoro no tomo (soul friend, very dramatic). If you want to describe a group that is inseparable, you might use mitchaku (closely attached) or mitsu na kankei (a close/dense relationship), though the latter can sometimes sound overly clinical or imply a secret affair.

私たちは阿吽の呼吸で動けるほど仲良しです。(Watashitachi wa aun no kokyū de ugokeru hodo nakayoshi desu.)

Translation: We are so close that we can move in perfect synchronization (Aun no kokyū).

Negatives: The opposite of 'nakayoshi' is 'naka ga warui' (bad terms) or 'kenka-bakari' (always fighting). There is no single word like 'un-nakayoshi.'

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'shi' at the end of 'yoshi' is a remnant of the classical Japanese adjective ending (Shiku-katsuyō), making it sound slightly more traditional or rhythmic.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /nækəˈjɒʃi/

US /nɑkəˈjoʊʃi/

Heiban (Flat). All syllables have roughly the same pitch and length.

Rhymes With

Moshi-moshi Oishii (near rhyme) Ureshii (near rhyme) Kanashii (near rhyme) Yoroshi Sushi Kushi Mushi

Common Errors

Stressing the 'YO' too hard (NakayOshi).
Pronouncing 'SHI' like 'SHEE' with a very long vowel.
Adding a 'u' sound at the end (Nakayoshi-u).
Mispronouncing the 'N' as a hard 'M'.
Pausing between 'Naka' and 'yoshi'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji is simple (仲 and 良), and the word is common in all media.

Writing 3/5

Remembering the 'shi' at the end is key; it's not part of the kanji.

Speaking 1/5

Very easy to pronounce and use in daily conversation.

Listening 1/5

Distinctive sound, often heard in anime and daily life.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

友達 (Tomodachi) 良い (Yoi) 中 (Naka/Inside)

Learn Next

親友 (Shin'yū) 仲間 (Nakama) 付き合う (Tsukiau)

Advanced

睦まじい (Mutsumajii) 懇意 (Kon'i) 昵懇 (Jikkon)

Grammar to Know

Using 'To' for 'With'

田中さんと仲良しです。

Ni naru (To become)

すぐに仲良しになった。

No to modify nouns

仲良しの二人。

De iru (Continuative state)

いつまでも仲良しでいてね。

Adverbial 'Ni'

仲良しに暮らす。

Examples by Level

私と彼は仲良しです。

Me and him are close friends.

Subject + to + Person + wa + nakayoshi + desu.

犬と猫は仲良しですか？

Are the dog and cat good friends?

Question form using 'ka'.

みんな仲良し。 (Minna nakayoshi.)

Everyone is friends.

Casual, omitted copula.

仲良しの友達がいます。

I have a close friend.

Using 'no' to modify 'tomodachi'.

私たちは仲良しです。

We are close.

Standard 'watashitachi' (we) subject.

お兄ちゃんと仲良しです。

I'm close with my big brother.

Using family titles.

あの二人は仲良しだね。

Those two are close, aren't they?

Casual 'da ne' ending.

仲良しになりましょう！

Let's be friends!

Volitional form 'ni narimashō'.

クラスメートと仲良しになりたいです。

I want to become friends with my classmates.

Verb 'ni naritai' (want to become).

昨日、新しい子と仲良しになりました。

Yesterday, I became friends with a new kid.

Past tense 'ni narimashita'.

仲良しの友達と映画を見ました。

I watched a movie with my close friend.

Adjectival use with 'no'.

彼らはいつも仲良しで遊んでいます。

They are always playing together like good friends.

Using 'de' to describe the state while doing an action.

私の家族はとても仲良しです。

My family is very close.

Using 'totemo' for emphasis.

仲良しな二人は、服も似ています。

The close pair even wear similar clothes.

Using 'na' as a quasi-adjective (less common but possible).

喧嘩したけど、また仲良しになった。

We fought, but we became friends again.

Contrast using 'kedo'.

仲良しのしるしにこれをあげます。

I'll give you this as a token of our friendship.

Noun phrase 'nakayoshi no shirushi'.

あの夫婦は結婚して１０年ですが、今でも仲良しです。

That couple has been married for 10 years, but they are still close.

Emphasizing duration.

旅行に行って、みんなとさらに仲良しになれました。

By going on a trip, I was able to become even closer with everyone.

Potential form 'narimashita' -> 'nareta'.

隣の席の人と仲良しになれるか不安です。

I'm worried about whether I can become friends with the person in the next seat.

Indirect question 'ka' + 'fuan' (anxiety).

彼らは仲良しグループで、いつも一緒にランチを食べています。

They are a close-knit group and always eat lunch together.

Compound noun 'nakayoshi gurūpu'.

仲良しなのは良いことですが、仕事も忘れないでください。

It's good that you're close, but please don't forget your work.

Nominalizing with 'no wa'.

二人の仲良しぶりを見て、心が温かくなりました。

Seeing how close those two are warmed my heart.

Suffix '-buri' (the way someone does/is).

幼馴染の彼とは、兄弟のように仲良しです。

I'm as close to my childhood friend as if we were brothers.

Simile using 'no yō ni'.

仲良しでいられる秘訣は何ですか？

What is the secret to staying close?

Continuative state 'de irareru'.

表面的な仲良しごっこはもうやめよう。

Let's stop this superficial 'playing at being friends.'

Using the derogatory '-gokko'.

チームの仲良し度が、プロジェクトの成功に直結します。

The degree of closeness within the team directly correlates to the project's success.

Suffix '-do' (degree/level).

彼らは仲良しすぎて、周りが入りにくい雰囲気だ。

They are too close; it's an atmosphere that's hard for others to enter.

Excessive 'sugiru'.

SNSでの仲良しアピールに疲れてしまった。

I'm tired of the 'close friendship' posturing on social media.

Compound 'nakayoshi apīru'.

犬猿の仲だった二人が、いつの間にか仲良しになっていた。

The two who were like cats and dogs (Ken'en no naka) had become close before I knew it.

Contrast with the idiom 'Ken'en no naka'.

仲良しでいるためには、お互いの距離感も大切です。

To stay close, a sense of mutual distance is also important.

Purpose clause 'tame ni'.

あの二人の仲良しさは、見ていて微笑ましい。

The closeness of those two is heartwarming to watch.

Suffix '-sa' (nominalizing adjectives).

仕事仲間と仲良しになりすぎるのも考えものだ。

Becoming too close with work colleagues is something to be careful about.

Phrase 'kangaemono da' (is problematic/questionable).

和を重んじる日本社会では、仲良しであることが一種の義務のように感じられることもある。

In Japanese society, which values harmony, being on good terms can sometimes feel like a kind of obligation.

Complex social observation.

その小説は、かつての仲良したちが再会し、過去の葛藤を乗り越える物語だ。

That novel is a story of former close friends reuniting and overcoming past conflicts.

Using 'nakayoshi-tachi' as a group noun.

馴れ合いの仲良し関係ではなく、切磋琢磨できるライバルでありたい。

I want us to be rivals who can improve together, rather than just a cozy, collusive friendship.

Using 'nareai' (collusion/coziness) to contrast.

彼は誰とでも仲良しになれる、天性の人徳を持っている。

He possesses a natural virtue that allows him to get along with anyone.

Abstract noun 'jintoku' (personal virtue).

子供時代の仲良しという純粋な関係は、大人になると維持するのが難しい。

The pure relationship of being childhood 'nakayoshi' is difficult to maintain once one becomes an adult.

Thematic sentence.

政治的な仲良し演出の裏には、冷徹な利害関係が潜んでいる。

Behind the staged political displays of friendship lies a cold-hearted web of interests.

Metaphorical/Political usage.

この「仲良し」という言葉に含まれる甘美な響きは、日本語特有のものかもしれない。

The sweet resonance contained in this word 'nakayoshi' might be unique to the Japanese language.

Linguistic reflection.

孤独を愛する彼にとって、世間の仲良し神話は重荷でしかなかった。

For him, who loves solitude, the public myth of 'getting along' was nothing but a burden.

Using 'shinwa' (myth) as a social critique.

共同体の存続を賭けた極限状態において、単なる「仲良し」を超えた連帯が生まれた。

In an extreme state where the community's survival was at stake, a solidarity emerged that transcended mere 'friendship.'

High-level vocabulary like 'rentai' (solidarity).

「仲良し」という平易な言葉に託された、日本的な人間関係の理想と病理を考察する。

We will examine the ideals and pathologies of Japanese human relationships entrusted to the simple word 'nakayoshi.'

Formal academic thesis style.

万象が仲良しに共生する宇宙観は、古来より東洋思想の根底に流れている。

The worldview in which all things coexist in harmony (nakayoshi) has flowed through the depths of Eastern thought since ancient times.

Philosophical/Abstract usage.

言葉の綾として「仲良し」と称してはいるが、その実態は相互監視に近い。

Though they are called 'close' as a figure of speech, the reality is closer to mutual surveillance.

Phrase 'kotoba no aya' (figure of speech).

かつての「仲良し小よし」という牧歌的な響きは、現代の殺伐とした社会では空疎に聞こえる。

The pastoral resonance of 'Nakayoshi-ko-yoshi' sounds hollow in today's brutal society.

Literary/Critical tone.

彼は組織内の「仲良しクラブ」的な体質を打破しようと孤軍奮闘した。

He fought a lonely battle to break down the 'old boys' club' (nakayoshi club) nature of the organization.

Idiom 'kogun-funtō' (fighting alone).

主客が仲良しに溶け合う茶道の境地こそが、究極のコミュニケーションと言えるだろう。

The state of tea ceremony where host and guest blend in harmony is perhaps the ultimate form of communication.

Spiritual/Aesthetic context.

記号化された「仲良し」を消費する現代人にとって、真の親密さとは何なのだろうか。

For modern people who consume a semiotic version of 'closeness,' what does true intimacy really mean?

Sociological questioning.

Common Collocations

仲良しになる

仲良しグループ

仲良し夫婦

仲良しこよし

仲良しアピール

仲良しさん

仲良し度

仲良しぶり

仲良しクラブ

ずっと仲良し

Common Phrases

仲良しこよし (Nakayoshi koyoshi)

— A rhythmic phrase used mostly for children to encourage getting along. It has a sweet, innocent feel.

みんな仲良しこよしで遊ぼう。

仲良しさん (Nakayoshi-san)

— A personified way of saying 'a close pair.' Often used to politely or playfully point out two people who are close.

また仲良しさんたちで集まってるの？

仲良しグループ (Nakayoshi gurūpu)

— A group of friends who are very tight-knit. It can be positive or imply a clique.

彼女は仲良しグループの中心だ。

仲良し夫婦 (Nakayoshi fūfu)

— A married couple who are very close and get along like best friends. A common compliment.

あそこは有名な仲良し夫婦です。

仲良し兄弟 (Nakayoshi kyōdai)

— Siblings who get along well and don't fight much.

仲良し兄弟で羨ましいです。

仲良し自慢 (Nakayoshi jiman)

— Bragging about how close one is with someone else.

彼の仲良し自慢には飽きた。

仲良し作戦 (Nakayoshi sakusen)

— A 'friendship strategy' or plan to get people to get along.

仲良し作戦を決行する。

仲良し同盟 (Nakayoshi dōmei)

— A 'friendship alliance,' often used jokingly among friends.

今日から仲良し同盟を組もう。

仲良しコンビ (Nakayoshi konbi)

— A close duo, often used for comedy partners or two best friends.

あの二人は最高の仲良しコンビだ。

仲良し旅行 (Nakayoshi ryokō)

— A trip taken by close friends or a happy couple.

仲良し旅行で温泉に行く。

Often Confused With

仲良し vs 友達 (Tomodachi)

Tomodachi is the category (friend); Nakayoshi is the quality (close).

仲良し vs 親友 (Shin'yū)

Shin'yū is more formal and implies a deeper, often lifelong commitment.

仲良し vs 仲間 (Nakama)

Nakama implies peers or comrades working toward a goal, not necessarily 'close' emotionally.

Idioms & Expressions

"仲良しこよし"

— Playing together harmoniously; often used to describe children's innocent friendship.

仲良しこよしで喧嘩もしない。

Informal/Child-directed

"仲良しごっこ"

— Pretending to be friends; a superficial relationship maintained just for appearance.

そんな仲良しごっこは時間の無駄だ。

Critical/Slang

"仲良しクラブ"

— An organization or group where people are too friendly and lack professional rigor.

ここは仲良しクラブじゃない、仕事場だ。

Critical/Business

"阿吽の呼吸"

— Perfect synchronization between two people who are very close.

二人は阿吽の呼吸で仲良しだ。

Literary/High

"水入らず"

— Being alone with close family or friends without outsiders.

今日は仲良し家族、水入らずで過ごす。

Polite

"肝胆相照らす"

— To be so close that you show each other your inner hearts/livers.

彼とは肝胆相照らす仲良しだ。

Archaic/Literary

"竹馬の友"

— Childhood friend (literally 'stilt-walking friend').

彼は私の竹馬の友で、今でも仲良しだ。

Literary

"同じ釜の飯を食う"

— To be close because of sharing the same hardships/living together.

同じ釜の飯を食った仲良したちだ。

Idiomatic

"以心伝心"

— Communicating through hearts without words; common among close friends.

仲良しの私たちは以心伝心だ。

General

"一心同体"

— Two people acting as one soul and body; extreme closeness.

あの夫婦は一心同体の仲良しだ。

Literary

Easily Confused

仲良し vs 中 (Naka)

Same reading, but means 'inside.'

Nakayoshi is a specific compound; Naka by itself is a spatial preposition.

箱の中 (Hako no naka - Inside the box) vs 仲良し (Nakayoshi).

仲良し vs 仲直り (Nakanaori)

Starts with 'Naka' and relates to friends.

Nakanaori specifically means 'to reconcile' after a fight.

喧嘩の後で仲直りした。

仲良し vs 仲介 (Chūkai)

Uses the same 'Naka' kanji.

Chūkai is a formal business term for 'mediation' or 'agency.'

不動産の仲介。

仲良し vs 仲良しこよし (Nakayoshi-koyoshi)

Is it different from Nakayoshi?

It's just a rhythmic, more childish version of the same word.

みんな仲良しこよし。

仲良し vs 仲が良い (Naka ga yoi)

Means the same thing.

Naka ga yoi is a standard sentence; Nakayoshi is a noun/adjective form used for emphasis or cuteness.

彼らは仲が良い。

Sentence Patterns

[Person A] to [Person B] wa nakayoshi desu.

ケンとアンナは仲良しです。

[Person] to nakayoshi ni naru.

新しい友達と仲良しになる。

Nakayoshi no [Noun]...

仲良しの友達と遊びました。

Zutto nakayoshi de itai.

ずっと仲良しでいたい。

Nakayoshi-buri o [Verb].

仲良しぶりを見せつける。

Nakayoshi-gokko wa yamero.

仲良しごっこはやめろ。

[Noun] to [Noun] ga nakayoshi ni kyōsei suru.

自然と人間が仲良しに共生する。

Nakayoshi to iu gainen o saikō suru.

仲良しという概念を再考する。

Word Family

Nouns

仲 (Naka - relationship)

仲良し (Nakayoshi - closeness/close friend)

Verbs

仲直りする (Nakanaori suru - to make up)

仲良くする (Nakayoku suru - to get along)

Adjectives

仲が良い (Naka ga yoi - on good terms)

仲間 (Nakama)

仲介 (Chūkai)

仲裁 (Chūsai)

仲人 (Nakōdo)

仲睦まじい (Nakamutsumajii)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in daily spoken Japanese and media.

Common Mistakes

Nakayoshikatta → Nakayoshi datta
It's a noun/na-adjective, not an i-adjective. Don't conjugate the end.
Watashi wa nakayoshi ga arimasu → Watashi ni wa nakayoshi no tomodachi ga imasu
You don't 'have' a nakayoshi like an object; you 'are' nakayoshi with someone.
Shachō to nakayoshi desu → Shachō ni wa kawaigatte itadaite imasu
Using 'nakayoshi' for a superior sounds overly familiar and slightly rude.
Nakayoshi no hito → Nakayoshi no tomodachi / Shiriai
While not 'wrong,' 'Nakayoshi no hito' sounds a bit like a child's way of speaking.
Nakayoshi ni shimasu → Nakayoshi ni narimasu
Use 'naru' (become) to describe the change in relationship. 'Suru' is for 'making' others get along.

Tips

Use it for Harmony

Whenever you see people getting along without any stress or fighting, 'Nakayoshi' is the perfect word to describe them.

Treat as a Noun

Remember it's not a standard adjective. Use 'Nakayoshi desu' or 'Nakayoshi no [Noun]' correctly.

Great for Kids

If you are teaching children or talking to parents, 'Nakayoshi' is the most natural word to use.

Watch for Sarcasm

In adult contexts, look out for 'Nakayoshi-gokko' or 'Nakayoshi-club' which can be negative.

Kanji vs Hiragana

Use Kanji (仲良し) for general use, but Hiragana (なかよし) for a warmer, child-friendly feel.

Flat Pitch

Keep your pitch steady. Don't jump up and down on the syllables.

Pair with 'Ni naru'

'Nakayoshi ni naru' is the most common way to describe the process of making friends.

Harmony Goal

Understand that being 'Nakayoshi' is a highly valued social state in Japan.

Hashtag it

Use #仲良し on social media for photos of you and your friends.

Nakayoshi vs Tomodachi

Always remember: Tomodachi = Friend, Nakayoshi = Close/On good terms.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Naka' as 'Knock' and 'Yoshi' as the Nintendo character. You 'Knock' on the door and 'Yoshi' opens it because you are 'Nakayoshi' (Good Friends)!

Visual Association

Imagine two people sharing a single umbrella in the rain, smiling at each other. This 'Ai-ai-gasa' (sharing umbrella) is a classic 'nakayoshi' image.

Word Web

Friend Harmony Close No Fighting Smile Together School Love

Challenge

Try to find three pairs of 'Nakayoshi' things today (e.g., a coffee and a donut, two birds, or two friends) and say 'Nakayoshi desu ne' to yourself.

Word Origin

Composed of 'Naka' (middle/relationship) and 'Yoshi' (good). The term evolved from describing the 'state' of a relationship to being a noun/adjective for the people themselves.

Original meaning: A good state of relationship/interaction.

Japonic (Yamato Kotoba).

Cultural Context

Be careful using 'Nakayoshi' for people who are clearly in a professional hierarchy, as it can sound like you are ignoring their status.

The English equivalent 'Besties' or 'BFFs' captures the closeness but 'Nakayoshi' is more about the lack of friction and can be applied to many more contexts (like siblings or pets).

Nakayoshi Manga Magazine Nakayoshi-ko-yoshi (Children's rhyme) Hello Kitty and her 'Nakayoshi' friends

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

School/Playground

ケンカしないで仲良しして！
新しい友達と仲良しになった？
みんな仲良しだよ。
仲良しグループで遊ぶ。

Romance/Couples

本当に仲良しな夫婦ですね。
いつまでも仲良しでいたい。
あの二人、仲良しすぎ！
仲良しデート。

Family

兄弟仲良しで偉いね。
お父さんとお母さんは仲良しだ。
家族みんな仲良しです。
仲良し家族の旅行。

Pets/Animals

この犬と猫は仲良しです。
仲良しに昼寝してる。
二匹はいつも仲良し。
仲良しのしるしに毛づくろい。

Social Media

#仲良し
仲良しショットを投稿する。
仲良しアピールがすごい。
親友と仲良しアピール。

Conversation Starters

"お二人はいつからそんなに仲良しなんですか？ (How long have you two been so close?)"

"どうすればクラスメートと仲良しになれますか？ (How can I become good friends with my classmates?)"

"あなたのペットたちは仲良しですか？ (Are your pets on good terms?)"

"最近、誰かと仲良しになりましたか？ (Have you become close with someone recently?)"

"仲良しでいるための秘訣は何だと思いますか？ (What do you think is the secret to staying close?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、仲良しの友達と何をして過ごしましたか？詳しく書いてください。 (What did you do with your close friend today? Write in detail.)

あなたが一番仲良しな家族について教えてください。 (Tell me about the family member you are closest to.)

子供の頃、誰と仲良しでしたか？その思い出を書いてください。 (Who were you close to as a child? Write about those memories.)

「仲良し」と「親友」の違いは何だと思いますか？ (What do you think is the difference between 'nakayoshi' and 'shin'yū'?)

誰かと仲良しになるために、あなたはどんなことをしますか？ (What do you do to become close to someone?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is generally too informal. Using 'Nakayoshi' might sound like you are being disrespectful. Instead, use 'Naka ga yoi' or mention that you are 'indebted' to them (O-sewa ni natte iru).

No, adults use it frequently for couples, close-knit groups, and friends. However, it does have a 'softer' vibe than 'Shin'yū.' It's very common in casual adult speech.

It means 'playing at being friends.' It's used to describe people who pretend to get along but don't actually like each other, often to avoid social trouble.

You can say 'Nakayoshi ni narimashita.' This implies you've reached a state of being on good terms.

Yes, 'Nakayoshi no tomodachi' means 'a close friend.' Children also say 'Kare wa watashi no nakayoshi da,' but adults usually say 'Kare to wa nakayoshi desu.'

Nakayoshi emphasizes the visible harmony and getting along, while Shin'yū emphasizes the depth of the bond and trust. You can be nakayoshi with many people, but usually only have a few shin'yū.

Yes! It's very common to describe pets that get along as 'nakayoshi.' For example, 'Neko to inu ga nakayoshi desu.'

Yes, it's '良'. So the word is written '仲良し'. Sometimes people write it in all hiragana 'なかよし' to make it look even softer and cuter.

The most common opposite is 'Naka ga warui' (on bad terms). There is no 'Un-nakayoshi' word.

Adding '-san' to 'Nakayoshi' (Nakayoshi-san) is a playful, personified way to refer to a couple or a pair of friends. It's like saying 'the happy couple' or 'the two buddies.'