How do you say "friend" in Turkish?

There are two words for friend in Turkish.

Arkadaş covers a wide spectrum of meanings from someone with whom you occasionally chat to a pal to a lifelong friend, and, in some instances even someone with whom you are romantically involved. However, don't let that alarm you: You are always safe calling someone your arkadaş. The word literally means someone who has your back. However, it is rarely used in that sense.

The word for a lifelong, trusted friend is dost. Sadık dost is a loyal friend.