English vocabulary and phrases for talking about friendship.
What do your friends mean to you? -Exploring the language we can use to talk about friendship in English
In one of my English conversation classes this week, a student spoke about the importance of her friendships in relation to her overall wellbeing. She explained that for her, friendship is not just about sharing laughs and good times; it's about having someone to lean on when things get tough.
Indeed, if we’re lucky, our friends are the ones who understand us in ways no one else can and accept us for who we are, flaws and all. They offer support, companionship, and a sense of belonging that's hard to find elsewhere. In a world that can often feel lonely and unpredictable, having solid friendships provides stability and comfort. Whether it's grabbing a quick coffee or planning a trip together, the simple act of spending time with friends can make all the difference in our lives.
In this blog we’ll explore some useful English phrases, expressions and vocabulary for talking about friendship. See if you can create some sentences to talk about your own friendships.
To go way back
This phrase encapsulates the depth of a long-standing friendship, one that has endured the test of time. When you've known someone for years, you can say, ‘Gabriela and I go way back; we've been friends since kindergarten.’
To make friends with someone
Building connections is the essence of forming friendships. You can use this phrase to describe how you initiated a friendship, such as, ‘I made friends with Jin when we both joined the chess club.’
A kindred spirit
Sometimes, you meet someone who seems to share your same values, interests, and outlook on life. You might say, ‘When I met Lisa, I instantly knew she was my kindred spirit; we both love hiking and reading.’
To be on the same wavelength
Friendship thrives when there's mutual understanding and harmony. When you and your friend consistently understand each other, you can say, ‘Aleksy and I are always on the same wavelength; we just get each other.’
To hit it off
Have you ever met someone and immediately felt a strong connection? That's what it means to ‘hit it off.’ For instance, ‘I met Lola at a party, and we hit it off right away; we talked for hours.’
My ride or die
This slang term signifies an unwavering loyalty and devotion to a friend. You might say, ‘Olga is more than a friend; she's my ride or die. I know I can always count on her.’
To have each other’s backs
True friends support and protect each other through thick and thin. You can express this by saying, ‘In our group, we always have each other's backs; no one ever feels alone.’
Please note this is a digital printable product and it has been created for adults.
Unlock the potential of meaningful dialogue and elevate your English proficiency with this set of 32 Friendship Conversation Cards. Tailored for adult intermediate to advanced learners, these cards are designed to delve into deeper discussions, enriching your language skills and boosting your confidence.