Friend in Japanese
"friend" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.
友
tomo
3 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "friend". The most common choice is shown first.
Which one to use
友 is a friend. 朋 is an older word for a companion or fellow, the 朋 of 朋友, and it carries the sense of sharing a path. 旧 means old, and 旧友 is an old friend specifically.
Top pick
friend
Reading: yuu
4 strokes · peaceful
Where it comes from
Shape of two hands overlapping. Companions joining hands.
What it carries
Friendship, companion, trust. 'Friend' is important relationship in Japan.
Related kanji for "friend"
friend
hou · peaceful
Shape of two shells together. Friend.
friend
kyuu · peaceful
Simplified form of mortar. Old mortar.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese kanji for friend?
The most common kanji for "friend" is 友, read as yuu. It means friend. Related kanji: 朋 (friend), 旧 (friend).
How many strokes does 友 have?
友 has 4 strokes.