Meaning
The kanji 友 (tomo/yū) represents 'friend,' 'companion,' or 'comrade.' This fundamental character is often among the first you'll learn in Japanese, emphasizing the importance of human connection. Its meaning goes beyond simple acquaintanceship, encompassing mutual support, camaraderie, and shared experiences. At its heart, 友 signifies individuals connected by affection and trust. They often collaborate or stand by each other through life's ups and downs.
The etymology of 友 is quite evocative. It's a pictograph showing two hands reaching out to each other—sometimes two right hands, sometimes a left and a right. This image beautifully captures the essence of friendship: people extending themselves to one another, working together, and offering support. It symbolizes cooperation, solidarity, and the reciprocal nature of friendly relationships. The kanji's strokes literally depict this interaction, with one stroke representing a hand and the other forming the connection. Though simple in form, it conveys a profound meaning, making it a powerful symbol of human connection.
The kanji 友 has just 4 strokes, making it relatively simple to write and remember. Japanese elementary school students typically learn it in Grade 2, highlighting its foundational status in the language curriculum. Its radical is 又 (mata), which means 'again' or 'right hand.' This radical reinforces the visual origin of 友 as two hands joining.
Readings
The primary On'yomi reading for 友 is ユウ (yū). This reading is typically used when 友 is part of a compound word (熟語, jukugo) with other kanji, especially those of Chinese origin. It often conveys a more formal or abstract sense of friendship or companionship.
友情 (yūjō) — friendship; camaraderie. This term refers to the emotional bond and relationship between friends.
友好 (yūkō) — friendship; amity. Often used in broader contexts, such as international relations or between groups, indicating a friendly relationship.
親友 (shinyū) — close friend; best friend. Here, 親 (shin) means 'intimate' or 'close,' intensifying the meaning of 友.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The primary Kun'yomi reading for 友 is とも (tomo). This reading is used when 友 appears alone or in compound words that retain a strong connection to its native Japanese meaning. It carries a more personal and direct sense of 'friend' or 'companion.'
友達 (tomodachi) — friend. This is the most common and everyday word for friend in Japanese, used in informal contexts.
友人 (yūjin) — friend (more formal). While it uses the On'yomi ユウ, it combines with 人 (jin) meaning 'person' to form a slightly more formal equivalent to 友達.
友と遊ぶ (tomo to asobu) — to play with a friend. Here, 友 is used independently, directly referring to a friend.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 友 forms numerous important words and compounds, reflecting various aspects of friendship and companionship. These words are categorized by theme to help you understand their nuances and typical usage.
General Friendship
友達 (tomodachi) — The most common and informal word for friend.
友人 (yūjin) — A more formal term for friend, often used in writing or polite conversation.
友情 (yūjō) — The abstract concept of friendship itself; a bond of friendship.
親友 (shinyū) — A close friend or best friend, implying a deep and intimate relationship.
友好 (yūkō) — Friendship; amity, often used in diplomatic or group contexts (e.g., friendly relations between countries).
Types of Companions
学友 (gakuyū) — A schoolmate or classmate; a friend from school.
戦友 (senyū) — A comrade-in-arms; a fellow soldier or veteran.
旧友 (kyūyū) — An old friend; someone you have known for a long time.
盟友 (meiyū) — A sworn friend; an ally; a loyal companion, often in a shared cause.
悪友 (akuyū) — A bad influence; a bad companion, someone who leads you astray (often used humorously).
Example Sentences
私にはたくさんの友がいます。
Watashi ni wa takusan no tomo ga imasu.
I have many friends.
彼は私の一番の友です。
Kare wa watashi no ichiban no tomo desu.
He is my best friend.
良い友と出会えて嬉しいです。
Yoi tomo to deaete ureshii desu.
I am happy to have met good friends.
私たちの友情は永遠です。
Watashitachi no yūjō wa eien desu.
Our friendship is eternal.
新しい友を作りたいです。
Atarashii tomo o tsukuritai desu.
I want to make new friends.
古い友と再会できて、とても楽しかった。
Furui tomo to saikai dekite, totemo tanoshikatta.
It was very fun to reunite with old friends.
彼らは互いに助け合う友です。
Karera wa tagai ni tasukeau tomo desu.
They are friends who help each other.
友と一緒に旅をするのは素晴らしいことです。
Tomo to issho ni tabi o suru no wa subarashii koto desu.
Traveling with friends is a wonderful thing.
私の友はいつも私を応援してくれます。
Watashi no tomo wa itsumo watashi o ōen shite kuremasu.
My friends always cheer me on.
新しい学校で素敵な友ができました。
Atarashii gakkō de suteki na tomo ga dekimashita.
I made wonderful friends at my new school.
Related Kanji
- 気 — Spirit, Energy, Air (Kanji N5)
- 百 — Hundred (Kanji N5)
- 土 — Earth, Soil, Ground (Kanji N5)
- 人 — Person (Kanji N5)
- 大 — Big, Large (Kanji N5)
- 間 — Interval, Space, Between (Kanji N5)
Memory Tip
Imagine two people holding hands. The kanji 友 visually represents this idea. The left side of 友 resembles the kanji for 'hand' (手, te) or a simplified person reaching out. The right side, 又 (mata), which means 'again' or 'right hand,' completes the image of two hands joined. Envision one hand offering support and the other accepting or returning that support, forming a strong bond. This visual connection of two hands working together or holding each other powerfully illustrates 'friendship' or 'companion.' Whenever you see 友, recall this image of connection and mutual assistance between friends.