How to Say Girlfriend in Japanese (2024)

Kanojo (彼女)

"Kanojo" is the most popular way of saying 'girlfriend' in Japanese. It is used mainly by grown-ups and accepted as the normal, respectful way to refer to someone's romantic partner or an intimate female friend.

Kanojo" can also mean 'she' when used with a proper noun. For example, "Kanojo wa mai-san desu" translates to "She is Mai-san".

You can use this word in almost any situation, such as when introducing your girlfriend to someone new or talking about her in conversations.

Examples of how to use 彼女 (kanojo) in a sentence

彼女は美しいです。

Kanojo wa utsukushii desu.

My girlfriend is beautiful.

彼女は僕の未来のパートナーだ。

Kanojo wa boku no mirai no paatonaa da.

My girlfriend is my future partner.

Koibito (恋人)

When Japanese people talk about "koibito" they are typically talking about two individuals in a romantic relationship who support each other and bring out the best in one another.

This term is more intimate than "kanojo", being used to express not just a person's significant other but also a deep level of affection between them. It can even refer to a female friend who is romantically involved with someone - often used by close pals as an innocent jest for fun.

"Koibito" definitely carries the promise of romantic possibility with it, so when we hear it uttered by our friends, the word resonates with us on many levels.

Examples of how to use 恋人 (koibito) in a sentence

彼女は私の恋人です。

Kanojo wa watashi no koibito desu.

My girlfriend is my lover.

恋人と一緒にいるのが好きです。

Koibito to issho ni iru no ga suki desu.

I like being with my girlfriend.

On’yuu-tachi (女友達)

"On'yuu-tachi" literally translating to "female friends" in English, can also be used to refer to one's girlfriend. It is a way of showing close companionship in formal and informal situations, whether when introducing her to someone new or when gossiping about her with your buddies.

"On'yuu-tachi" can speak volumes, emphasizing how the two individuals are not just mere acquaintances but deeply connected. This is why it is important to understand the nuances of the term when using it, as one wrong usage could easily backfire.

私の女友達は今夜会う予定です。

Watashi no on'yuu-tachi wa kon'ya au yotei desu.

My girlfriend and I are meeting up tonight.

女友達は本当にかわいいです。

On'yuu-tachi wa hontou ni kawaii desu.

My girlfriend is really cute.

Aijin (愛人)

"Aijin" is a term of endearment used to describe a romantic partner in Japanese. Rather than being just a 'girlfriend' or 'boyfriend', it suggests the couple holds each other in high regard and shares an emotional bond.

This approach has been taken over traditional words like "kanojo" as it goes deeper into expressing how two people feel about each other.

Although "aijin" conveys love and care more explicitly, many Japanese people don't find it appropriate to use the word in the presence of others, as it can make them feel uncomfortable due to its strong implications.

Examples of how to use 愛人 (aijin) in a sentence

彼女は私の愛人です。

Kanojo wa watashi no aijin desu.

My girlfriend is my lover.

愛人と一緒にいるのは楽しいです。

Aijin to issho ni iru no wa tanoshii desu.

It's fun being with my girlfriend.

Garufurendo (ガールフレンド)

Japanese loanwords are always fascinating and "garufurendo" is one of them. It literally translates to "girlfriend" in English and is written in katakana.

This word has become incredibly popular among Japanese youth in recent years; even those who don't know much English find that this word rolls off the tongue quite nicely.

It is often used in the same way as "kanojo" or "on'yuu-tachi", but with a more youthful energy.

Examples of how to use ガールフレンド (garufurendo) in a sentence

彼女は私のガールフレンドです。

Kanojo wa watashi no garufurendo desu.

She is my girlfriend.

ガールフレンドと一緒にいるのは最高です。

Garufurendo to issho ni iru no wa saikou desu.

Being with my girlfriend is the best.

Paatonaa (パートナー)

"Paatonaa" is another Japanese loanword derived from the English word "partner". While it has been used interchangeably with "kanojo" or "on'yuu-tachi" in casual conversations, the word has a more formal connotation.

This term is often used when discussing relationships in professional or business settings, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and mutual respect. It is also sometimes used to describe a romantic partner in more serious conversations.

Examples of how to use パートナー (paatonaa) in a sentence

彼女は私のパートナーです。

Kanojo wa watashi no paatonaa desu.

She is my partner.

私のパートナーは私の最高のサポートです。

Watashi no paatonaa wa watashi no saikou no sapooto desu.

My girlfriend is my best support.

Motokanojo (元彼女)

"Motokanojo" is a powerful phrase that encapsulates the complexities of past relationships in just two simple kanji characters. "元" means "former" and "彼女" means "girlfriend", this phrase is often used to symbolize the change in dynamics or relationship status between two people, whether it ended on good terms or not.

In Japan, this convenient phrase serves as a reminder of the incredibly delicate yet transformative nature of romantic relationships.

Examples of how to use 元彼女 (motokanojo) in a sentence

彼女は私の元彼女です。

Kanojo wa watashi no motokanojo desu.

She is my ex-girlfriend.

私の元彼女は今新しい恋人を持っています。

Watashi no motokanojo wa ima atarashii koibito wo motte imasu.

My ex-girlfriend now has a new lover.

Final Thoughts

Romantic relationships come in all shapes and sizes; the same goes for how they are described.

There are many ways to express love in Japan - from the conventional "kanojo" to the more modern "garufurendo". Knowing and using these words can help you accurately phrase your feelings for your significant other.

Ultimately, it doesn't matter which words you use as long as it conveys the right sentiment between each other. Love knows no boundaries and language is no exception!