連れ

• Reading: つれ
• Romaji: tsure
• Kanji breakdown: 連 (tsure) — to connect, to link, to take along
• Pronunciation: /tsɯ.ɾe/

Meaning

Companion; company. A person who accompanies someone; a partner or group member in an outing.

A noun derived from the verb 連れる (to bring along, to take with). 連れ refers to a person or people accompanying someone. It is commonly used in restaurants and hotels, as in 連れがいます (I have someone with me). Also appears in compound words like 子連れ (accompanied by children) and 連れ合い (spouse/partner).

Examples

1. 連れが遅れているので、もう少し待ってください。 My companion is running late, so please wait a moment.
2. 子連れでも入れるレストランを探している。 I'm looking for a restaurant that's kid-friendly.
3. 旅行の連れがいなくて一人で出かけた。 I had no one to go with, so I traveled alone.

Usage Guide

Context: restaurants, travel, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The nominal form of the verb 連れる (to lead, to bring along), derived from 連 (to connect, to link). Refers to someone linked or connected as a travel or social companion.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal