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道Nihongo Path

相棒

あいぼう

partner, buddy

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Examples

  1. 彼は長年の仕事の相棒だ。

    かれはながねんのしごとのあいぼうだ。

    He has been my work partner for many years.

  2. 相棒と二人で小さな店を始めた。

    あいぼうとふたりでちいさなみせをはじめた。

    My buddy and I started a small shop together.

  3. この古い自転車は私の相棒だ。

    このふるいじてんしゃはわたしのあいぼうだ。

    This old bicycle is my trusty companion.

Common patterns

長年の相棒
a partner of many years
相棒を組む
to pair up with someone
いい相棒
a good partner

Memory tip

Originally the man at the other end of the 棒 carrying a palanquin — the one at your side. It is casual and affectionate (detectives, comedy duos, even a beloved tool); in formal business you would say 共同経営者 instead.

Kanji in this word

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What does 相棒 mean?