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Kotomora

友

friend

JLPTN5StatusJōyō · grade 2FrequencyTop 1,000Strokes4

Readings

On'yomi

  • ユウ

Kun'yomi

  • とも

Nanori

  • う
  • ど
  • ゆ

Meaning

友 centers on a close, supportive bond between people: a friend.

Most common words using 友

20 of 168
  • 友達ともだち
    N5

    friend; companion

  • 友とも
    N3

    friend; companion; comrade; pal

  • 友人ゆうじん
    N3

    friend

  • 親友しんゆう
    N4

    close friend; bosom friend; buddy; crony; chum

  • 友情ゆうじょう
    N3

    friendship; fellowship; camaraderie

  • 友好ゆうこう
    N3

    friendship

  • 住友すみとも

    Sumitomo

  • 交友こうゆう

    friend; companion; acquaintance

  • 戦友せんゆう

    comrade in arms; war buddy; fellow soldier

  • 旧友きゅうゆう
    N1

    old friend; old pal

  • 友愛ゆうあい

    fraternity; friendship

  • 西友せいゆう

    Seiyū

  • 友子ともこ

    friend; comrade; companion

  • 盟友めいゆう

    sworn friend

  • 友軍ゆうぐん

    friendly army; friendly troops; allied army

  • 悪友あくゆう

    undesirable friend; bad company; bad companion; bad influence

  • 三井住友銀行みついすみともぎんこう

    Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

  • 友の会とものかい

    association; club; fan club; supporter's association

  • 学友がくゆう

    school friend

  • 級友きゅうゆう
    N1

    classmate; friend in the same class

Explore all words using 友 →

Study

Etymology

友 is traditionally explained as two right hands (又 and 又) working together, symbolizing friendship and mutual support.

Meaning mnemonic

The shape suggests two right hands reaching toward each other, like friends clasping hands in greeting.

Reading mnemonic

For ユウ, imagine you and a friend: you -> ユウ, and your bond makes you both stronger.