Nakama (仲間) is a Japanese word, generally defined as "someone one is close with and with whom one does something together".
In English, the word most closely translates to "comrade", "companion", "fellow" or "one of us (/them)". It can also be used to refer to a close colleague / a friend at one's workplace ("shigoto-nakama", 仕事仲間）, or, for example, a friend with whom one partakes in a hobby (e.g. "geemu-nakama", ゲーム仲間; "fellow gamer").
Although nakama technically translates to "comrade", the word is not used in communist contexts. People who share the same ideal and work toward a "greater cause" would tend to use the word "doushi" (同志) instead. This is equivalent to "tongzhi" in Chinese, and is used in a similar fashion.
The word nakama has gained some international recognition due to its prominent usage in the anime, One Piece. In One Piece the word is often used to denote a very close comrade or ally. This usage corresponds to the definition of 'nakama' as given in the Iwanami Japanese Dictionary: "People who have maintained a close relationship for a fairly long time, who share the same feelings (lit. "whose hearts are united") and who do something together" (JP: 心を合わせて何かをいっしょにするという間柄をかなりの期間にわたって保っている人 そういう間柄 ).
In English, the word most closely translates to "comrade", "companion", "fellow" or "one of us (/them)". It can also be used to refer to a close colleague / a friend at one's workplace ("shigoto-nakama", 仕事仲間）, or, for example, a friend with whom one partakes in a hobby (e.g. "geemu-nakama", ゲーム仲間; "fellow gamer").
Although nakama technically translates to "comrade", the word is not used in communist contexts. People who share the same ideal and work toward a "greater cause" would tend to use the word "doushi" (同志) instead. This is equivalent to "tongzhi" in Chinese, and is used in a similar fashion.
The word nakama has gained some international recognition due to its prominent usage in the anime, One Piece. In One Piece the word is often used to denote a very close comrade or ally. This usage corresponds to the definition of 'nakama' as given in the Iwanami Japanese Dictionary: "People who have maintained a close relationship for a fairly long time, who share the same feelings (lit. "whose hearts are united") and who do something together" (JP: 心を合わせて何かをいっしょにするという間柄をかなりの期間にわたって保っている人 そういう間柄 ).
Basic usage 1: "Is that girl over there your nakama?" (~= "Is that girl over there with you guys?")
Basic usage 2: "We'll never get our voices heard as long as we're so few in number. We need to find more nakama." (~= "We need to find more allies / people who support our cause.")
Basic usage 3: "If you needed help, why didn't you tell me? We're nakama, right?" (~= "We're comrades/colleagues/allies, right?")
Basic anime example: "I'll protect my nakama." (~= "I'll protect my friends/mates/companions.")
One Piece example: "Don't you dare lay your hands on my nakama." (~= "Don't you dare lay your hands on my comrade/companion.")
Basic usage 2: "We'll never get our voices heard as long as we're so few in number. We need to find more nakama." (~= "We need to find more allies / people who support our cause.")
Basic usage 3: "If you needed help, why didn't you tell me? We're nakama, right?" (~= "We're comrades/colleagues/allies, right?")
Basic anime example: "I'll protect my nakama." (~= "I'll protect my friends/mates/companions.")
One Piece example: "Don't you dare lay your hands on my nakama." (~= "Don't you dare lay your hands on my comrade/companion.")
by VVayfarer March 10, 2020
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The Japanese term for friend(s), buddy(ies), crew, ally(/ies) comrade(s), or gang. In the Japanese version of the anime One Piece, this term has a deeper meaning, describing friends who are more like family, especially in the context of Luffy's crew. Because of this, many popular fansubs of it do not translate this term.
by Super_Mew January 15, 2006
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by RockManZero3 March 15, 2020
Get the Miku Nakano mug.Nakamoto Yuta (Kanji: 中本悠太) (Hangul: 유타) is a phenomenal singer and dancer hailing from Osaka, Japan. He is one of the many talented singers, dancers, and rappers in NCT and it's sub-unit, NCT 127. He has made many accomplishments, such as being the first Japanese idol signed under SM Entertainment. He has the voice of an angel and dance skills that will take your breath away.
This man is not only an artist, but pure art itself. Nakamoto Yuta is an intellectual, but also extremely funny and not afraid to speak his mind when he's not being held back. This man has made a name for himself and will continue to make a name for himself, despite what ill-informed and offensive "fans" have to say.
Please stream his cover of White and watch all of his content and support this amazing man. He really deserves the world.
This man is not only an artist, but pure art itself. Nakamoto Yuta is an intellectual, but also extremely funny and not afraid to speak his mind when he's not being held back. This man has made a name for himself and will continue to make a name for himself, despite what ill-informed and offensive "fans" have to say.
Please stream his cover of White and watch all of his content and support this amazing man. He really deserves the world.
"Why does SM Entertainment refuse to let Nakamoto Yuta shine bright like a mf-ing diamond?"
"Cause they know Nakamoto Yuta will rule the entertainment industry in a heartbeat and they're afraid of Nakamoto Yuta's power."
"Cause they know Nakamoto Yuta will rule the entertainment industry in a heartbeat and they're afraid of Nakamoto Yuta's power."
by gaytransboiforyuta January 29, 2021
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Get the yuta nakamoto mug.Nakama is the Japanese word for a very good friend. Calling someone your nakama is like telling someone you love them in a non-romantic way.
This is often used in anime, such as One Piece or Bleach, to show deep attachment between characters and thus mostly left untranslated in fansubs.
This is often used in anime, such as One Piece or Bleach, to show deep attachment between characters and thus mostly left untranslated in fansubs.
by Zexion's Somebody March 26, 2010
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