友人

• Reading: ゆうじん
• Romaji: yuujin
• Kanji breakdown: 友 (yuu/tomo) — friend; 人 (jin/hito) — person
• Pronunciation: /jɯː.dʑi.n/

Meaning

Friend. A formal word for friend, used in writing and polite speech.

A noun for friend that is more formal than the everyday 友達 (tomodachi). Preferred in written Japanese, speeches, formal introductions, and official contexts. Common expressions include 友人関係 (friendship), 友人を紹介する (to introduce a friend), and 古い友人 (an old friend). Often used in news and formal writing.

Examples

1. 大学時代の友人と久しぶりに会った。 I met up with a friend from college for the first time in a while.
2. 友人の結婚式に招待された。 I was invited to a friend's wedding.
3. 彼女は私の大切な友人の一人です。 She is one of my dear friends.

Usage Guide

Context: formal speech, writing, introductions

Tone: polite

Origin & History

Composed of 友 (yuu/tomo, friend) and 人 (jin/hito, person). A Sino-Japanese compound literally meaning 'friend person.' More restrained and formal in tone than the native 友達.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal