友 – Friend (Yuu / Tomo Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 友.
Kanji 友 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
友 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 親友 (shin'yuu – close friend, best friend) and 友人 (yuujin – friend, acquaintance).
Used as a standalone word meaning friend, such as 友達 (tomodachi – friend) and 幼馴染 in related contexts.
友 Stroke Order – How to Write 友
友 is written with 4 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the left diagonal stroke first, then the horizontal stroke, finishing with the curving diagonal stroke sweeping down to the right.
Common Words Using 友 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 友, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 友
See 友 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
友達と映画を見に行きました。
ともだちと えいがを みに いきました。
Tomodachi to eiga o mi ni ikimashita.
I went to watch a movie with my friend.
彼女は私の親友です。
かのじょは わたしの しんゆうです。
Kanojo wa watashi no shin'yuu desu.
She is my best friend.
私たちの友情は変わりません。
わたしたちの ゆうじょうは かわりません。
Watashitachi no yuujou wa kawarimasen.
Our friendship never changes.
新しい学校で友達を作りました。
あたらしい がっこうで ともだちを つくりました。
Atarashii gakkou de tomodachi o tsukurimashita.
I made friends at my new school.
旧友に久しぶりに会いました。
きゅうゆうに ひさしぶりに あいました。
Kyuuyuu ni hisashiburi ni aimashita.
I met an old friend after a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions About 友
What does the Kanji 友 mean?
友 means friend. It is a common JLPT N5 kanji and appears in everyday words such as 友達 (tomodachi, friend) and 親友 (shin'yuu, close friend, best friend).
What is the Onyomi reading of 友?
The Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading of 友 is ユウ (yuu), as in 親友 (shin'yuu, close friend) and 友人 (yuujin, friend/acquaintance).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 友?
The Kunyomi (native Japanese) reading of 友 is とも (tomo), meaning "friend," as in 友達 (tomodachi, friend).
How many strokes does 友 have?
友 is written with 4 strokes.
Is 友 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 友 is part of the official JLPT N5 kanji list and is essential for one of the most commonly used words in daily conversation, 友達 (tomodachi, friend).
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