友情

• Reading: ゆうじょう
• Romaji: yuujou
• Kanji breakdown: 友 (yuu/tomo) — friend; 情 (jou) — feeling, emotion
• Pronunciation: /jɯː.dʑoː/

Meaning

Friendship; fellowship; bonds between friends.

A noun expressing the emotional bond and loyalty between friends. More formal and literary than 仲良し (nakayoshi, being close friends). Common expressions include 友情を深める (to deepen friendship), 友情が壊れる (friendship breaks down), and 友情を大切にする (to value friendship). A central theme in manga, anime, and school life.

Examples

1. 二人の友情は何年も続いている。 Their friendship has lasted for many years.
2. この経験を通して友情が深まった。 This experience deepened our friendship.
3. 本当の友情はお金では買えない。 True friendship can't be bought with money.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, school life, literature

Tone: warm

Origin & History

Composed of 友 (yuu/tomo, friend) and 情 (jou, feeling/emotion). Literally 'friend-feeling,' representing the emotional bond of friendship. A Sino-Japanese compound used widely in modern Japanese.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal