noun
General term for a friend or close companion; can be used in both casual and formal settings.
彼は私の一番の友だ。
He is my best friend.
遠くに住む友と電話で話した。
I talked on the phone with a friend who lives far away.
noun
companion (book); complement; accessory
Used for inanimate things that accompany or complement something else, such as a guidebook or a matching accessory.
この辞書は学習者の良き友となるだろう。
This dictionary will be a good companion for learners.
旅行の友としてガイドブックを持っていく。
I take a guidebook as a travel companion.
Native Japanese word. The kanji 友 is a pictograph of two right hands, symbolizing friendship and mutual assistance.