Readings: ユウ (Onyomi), とも (Kunyomi)
Meaning: friend, companion
友 is a simple and warm kanji that means “friend.” You will see it in many common and familiar words such as 友だち (friend), 親友 (best friend), and 友情 (friendship).
View JLPT N5 Kanji ListKanji Details
| Radical | 又 (right hand) |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 4 |
| JLPT Level | N5 |
| Grade | 2nd Grade |
Readings
| Onyomi | ユウ |
|---|---|
| Kunyomi | とも |
How to Write – Stroke Order
The kanji 友 is made of two elements that resemble helping hands. It carries the feeling of people supporting and being with each other — friends.
- Start with the upper hook-like strokes
- Add the lower curve and finish with the tail
Example Sentences
Japanese: 友だちと遊びます。
Kana: ともだちとあそびます。
Romaji: Tomodachi to asobimasu.
English: I play with my friends.
Japanese: 新しい友人ができました。
Kana: あたらしいゆうじんができました。
Romaji: Atarashii yuujin ga dekimashita.
English: I made a new friend.
Japanese: 彼は私の親友です。
Kana: かれはわたしのしんゆうです。
Romaji: Kare wa watashi no shinyuu desu.
English: He is my best friend.
Vocabulary Using 友
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 友だち | ともだち | friend |
| 友人 | ゆうじん | friend (formal) |
| 親友 | しんゆう | best friend |
| 友情 | ゆうじょう | friendship |
| 友好 | ゆうこう | friendship, goodwill |
🔗 N5 Grammar & Vocabulary
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