The Kanji: 友 (Tomo/Yū) - The "Friend" Kanji
The kanji "友" is a beautiful and simple character that represents the concept of "friend," "companionship," and "fellowship." Its structure visually conveys the core idea of mutual support and shared direction.
1. Meaning and Usage
Core Meanings: Friend; companion.
Readings:
Kun'yomi (Japanese reading): とも (tomo)
On'yomi (Chinese reading): ユウ (yū)
Common Words and Compounds:
友達 (ともだち / tomodachi) - Friend (the most common word for friend)
友人 (ゆうじん / yūjin) - Friend (a more formal term)
友好 (ゆうこう / yūkō) - Friendship; amity
親友 (しんゆう / shin'yū) - Best friend
戦友 (せんゆう / sen'yū) - Comrade; wartime buddy
2. Writing and Stroke Order: A Pair in Harmony
The correct kanji writing for "友" is relatively simple but requires attention to the relationship between its two main components. Its stroke order is logical and helps create a balanced character.
Stroke Order:
Stroke 1: A long horizontal stroke from left to right.
Stroke 2: A left-falling stroke that starts above the horizontal and crosses it, extending down to the lower-left.
Stroke 3: A horizontal折 (or) stroke on the right side. Start with a short horizontal line, then turn sharply downward into a hook. This is the character 又 (mata, "again" or "and") on its own.
Stroke 4: A right-falling stroke that starts from the top-right and sweeps down, crossing the previous stroke.
Significance of Correct Kanji Writing:
Balance and Proportion: The left side (the first two strokes) and the right side (the last two strokes, forming 又) should be of roughly equal width and height, creating a sense of harmony and equality—just like a good friendship.
Component Recognition: The right side of the character is, in fact, the kanji 又 (mata). While 又 now means "again," its original form was a pictogram of a "right hand." This is key to understanding the character's origin.
Spatial Awareness: The two components should not be too far apart or too close together; they should look like they are working together as a single, unified character.
3. Historical Origin and Evolution
The history of "友" is a perfect visual representation of its meaning.
Oracle Bone Script (甲骨文字):
The earliest form was a clear and logical pictograph. It depicted two right hands (又) side by side, or sometimes one hand following another. This symbolized two people joining their hands or working together toward a common goal. It represented a shared effort, mutual support, and common direction.
Bronze Script (金文) & Seal Script (篆書):
The form became more stylized. The two "hand" shapes became more abstract but remained clearly recognizable as a pair. The concept of cooperation and alliance was powerfully retained.
Modern Form (楷書):
The modern "友" is a clean abstraction. The two hands are no longer identical drawings but have been standardized into the two distinct components we see today: the left side (a hand simplified into a cross shape) and the right side (the character 又, which is itself a stylized hand). The core idea of "two hands working together" remains perfectly intact.
Philosophical and Cultural Connection:
In Confucian philosophy, which deeply influenced Japanese culture, friendship is one of the five fundamental ethical relationships. A true friend (友) is not just a companion but someone who provides moral support and honest advice. The character embodies this ideal:
Reciprocity: Just as the two hands in the character mirror each other, friendship is based on mutual give-and-take.
Cooperation: The hands are shown working in unison, symbolizing friends helping each other to achieve more than they could alone.
Trust and Alignment: The hands moving in the same direction suggest shared values and common goals.
Summary
The kanji "友" is a character where form and meaning are perfectly intertwined. It began as a direct drawing of two hands joined in a common purpose and evolved into an elegant symbol for friendship. Mastering its stroke order is a straightforward but important step in Japanese kanji writing, as it teaches balance and the composition of simple elements. When you learn how to write kanji like "友," you are not just learning a word for "friend"; you are learning a character that has, for thousands of years, symbolized the very essence of companionship: mutual support, shared direction, and the simple, powerful act of working together.