Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

Words Kanji Guides About

畏友 (いゆう) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

畏い友ゆう

い

ゆ

う

Meanings

1

noun

esteemed friend; revered friend

A formal, literary term for a friend one deeply respects. Not used in casual conversation; may appear in classical or formal written contexts.

彼かれは私わたしの畏い友ゆうであり、学がく問もんの道みちを共ともに歩あゆんできた。
He is my esteemed friend, with whom I have walked the path of learning.

Kanji

畏fear, majestic, graciously
友friend

Similar words

親しん友ゆう
親友 is a common word for a close friend, while 畏友 is a rare, literary term emphasizing deep respect.
畏い敬けい
畏敬 means 'reverence' or 'awe', sharing the same first kanji 畏, which conveys a sense of respectful awe.

Etymology

Compound of 畏 (い, 'awe, reverence') and 友 (ゆう, 'friend'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji combination suggests a friend held in respectful awe.