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旧友
kyūyū
old friend
彼は私の旧友です。
He is my old friend.
formal
A friend from the past, typically someone you knew for a long time ago.
十年ぶりに旧友と再会した。
I reunited with an old friend after ten years.
Often used in contexts where the friendship has lasted for years, even if contact has been infrequent.
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing in casual contexts
While '旧友' is polite and formal, it can sound overly sentimental in everyday conversation. Use '友達' or '友人' for casual contexts.
Gold Rule
Contrast with '友人'
'旧友' implies a long-standing friendship, whereas '友人' is a general term for a friend without temporal implications.
Word Origin
Composed of 旧 (old, former) and 友 (friend). The term emphasizes the longevity of the friendship, distinguishing it from casual acquaintances or new friends.
Usage Notes
Unlike '友人' (friend), which is neutral, '旧友' carries a sense of nostalgia and history. It is commonly used in personal narratives, memoirs, or when reminiscing about the past.
Word Breakdown
旧
old, former
root友
friend
root和英辞典