Meaning

Primary

Friend

Word Type

noun

Explanation

A person who is a friend is just that, a friend!

Note that 友人 is a more formal word that’s often used in professional settings.

Reading

ゆうじん
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. Since has two on'yomi readings, here's a mnemonic to help you remember which one to use:

All your friends are youths in jeans (ゆうじん)! Every single one. If any of your friends is not a youth in jeans, they're simply not your friend, I'm afraid.

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • 友人になる

    to become friends

    友人にもらう

    to receive something from a friend

    友人にきく

    to ask a friend

Context Sentences

マイケルさんは、父の友人です。

Michael is my father's friend.

アメリカ人の友人がいます。

I have an American friend.

友人のハネムーンについてきました。

I tagged along on my friend's honeymoon.

Kanji Composition