友

• Reading: とも
• Romaji: tomo
• Kanji breakdown: 友 (yuu/tomo) — friend, companion
• Pronunciation: /to.mo/

Meaning

Friend; companion; pal. A person one is close to.

A noun meaning friend, more literary and formal than 友達 (tomodachi). Often appears in compounds and set expressions: 友人 (yuujin, friend — formal), 親友 (shin'yuu, best friend), 学友 (gakuyuu, school friend). Also used in proverbs: 類は友を呼ぶ (rui wa tomo wo yobu, birds of a feather flock together).

Examples

1. 困った時に助けてくれるのが本当の友だ。 I ended up accompanying the company president on a business trip.
2. 高校時代の友と久しぶりに再会した。 In the old days, samurai traveled with attendants.
3. 彼は私の大切な友であり仕事のパートナーでもある。 Would it be okay if I tag along on your shopping trip?

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, literature, proverbs

Tone: warm

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 友 depicts two hands reaching toward each other, symbolizing mutual support and companionship.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal