Friend
Companion
noun
A friend that you attain is your friend. This is the most common way to say "friend," so learn it if you want to make any!
The readings for both of these are readings you haven't learned yet, though maybe you already know this word since it's fairly common. Think of it this way. You have your friend Tom (とも) Cruise. You like him, and he likes you. You're close enough friends that you can touch (だち) each other too. Like, on the shoulder or on the hand or whatever, without it being awkward. So, you like to Tom touch (ともだち) when you can, because he has nice skin.
あなたのお友達リストに私をついかしてください。
Please add me to your friends list.
友達が、ここはちゅう車禁止エリアだって言ってたよ。
My friend told me that this is a no-parking area.
「側にいてくれてありがとう。」「何言ってるのよ！友達じゃないの！」
"Thank you for taking my side." "What are you talking about? We’re friends, aren’t we?"