Japanese symbol for “friend”
友達
ともだち
Romaji: tomodachi
friend; companion
In Japanese, friend is 友達, read ともだち (tomodachi).
Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.
Meanings
- n friend; companion
Written forms: 友達、友だち. Readings: ともだち、トモダチ.
Kanji and stroke order
Other Japanese words for “friend”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 友人 | ゆうじん yuujin | friend |
| 友 | とも tomo | friend; companion; comrade |
| 味方 | みかた mikata | friend; ally; supporter |
| 知人 | ちじん chijin | friend; acquaintance |
| 仲間 | なかま nakama | companion; fellow; friend |
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 友人 | ゆうじん yuujin | friend |
| 親友 | しんゆう shin'yuu | close friend; bosom friend; buddy |
| 友情 | ゆうじょう yuujou | friendship; fellowship; camaraderie |
| 友好 | ゆうこう yuukou | friendship |
| 友愛 | ゆうあい yuuai | fraternity; friendship |
| 達成 | たっせい tassei | achievement; attainment; accomplishment |
| 発達 | はったつ hattatsu | development; growth |
| 配達 | はいたつ haitatsu | delivery |
See also: Chinese symbol for “friend”.
Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.