友達

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 友達 is read as ともだち and is an everyday noun for a friend.
• Basic usage: It appears when a friendship is formed at school and when someone waits for a particular friend.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 友達ができる
  • The pattern 友達ができる means making or gaining a friend, with 友達 marked by が.
• 友達を待つ
  • The person being waited for is marked with を, as in 友達を待つ.