I am having a problem trying to translate something here.
I would like to explain that two of my friends (who are together, as a couple) are coming around, but I cannot find the right sentence for it.
If I say "a couple of friends" it really means that I am talking about two random friends. If I say "my two friends xx and xx, who are together" or similar, it just sounds really long and not natural.
What is the best way to put it ?
Thank you :)
Your confusion is right! Here, in such sentences, the word couple serves as a determiner which means 'a small number of' or 'a few'. Probably that's why you call them 'random' friends.
When you specifically talk about two friends with their names (as you wrote 'friend 'x' and friend 'xx' who are together), using the word 'couple' would cause some ambiguity.
Waht's the best way to put it then?
Well, call by their names. "My friends Tom and Harry are coming out of the hall.
In case you are talking about your friends Tom and Anna (in a romantic relationship), it adds complexity! Here, 'couple' does not mean 'a few'. Here, it is for two persons.
The closest sentence for that is probably...
A couple who are my friends are coming out of the hall OR
A couple I'm friends with is coming...
Note that it is entirely different from 'a couple of my friends'. And, I think this is your confusion (correct me if I'm wrong).
A lot depends on the emphasis you want
"My friend and his wife" or "my friend and her husband" may be possibilities though they imply that one of the couple is a closer friend of yours than the other.
