Archaic noun for a friend or companion. In modern Japanese, this word is obsolete; use 友達 (ともだち) or 友人 (ゆうじん) instead. The kanji 友子 is now almost exclusively read as the female given name Tomoko.
The historical derivation is uncertain. The kanji 友 (friend) and 子 (child/person) combine to suggest a companion, but this usage is archaic and no longer productive.
