Japanese symbol for “pal”
友
とも
Romaji: tomo
friend; companion; comrade; pal
In Japanese, pal is 友, read とも (tomo).
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; comrade; pal
- n accompaniment; companion (e.g. book); complement; accessory
Written forms: 友、朋. Readings: とも.
Kanji and stroke order
Other Japanese words for “pal”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 相棒 | あいぼう aibou | partner; pal; accomplice |
| 仲良し | なかよし nakayoshi | close friendship; close friend; good friend |
| 君 | きみ kimi | you; buddy; pal |
| ダチ | ダチ dachi | friend; pal; buddy |
| 兄弟分 | きょうだいぶん kyoudaibun | sworn brother; buddy; pal |
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 友達 | ともだち tomodachi | friend; companion |
| 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 |
See also: Chinese symbol for “pal”.
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.