How to Write 友 (friend) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 4-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) character 友 (“friend”), indexed under the 又 (また (again)) radical. Practice 友 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 友達 (ともだち (tomodachi) — friend), 友人 (ゆうじん (yuujin) — friend (formal)).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (友)
Primary Radical (部首): 又 — また (again)
Radical Position: Standalone / Integrated (部首)
Semantic Theme: Radical 又
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生) (JLPT N5). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ユウ) when 友 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (とも) when 友 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (4画): With only 4 strokes, 友 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 又 (また (again)) structure (Standalone / Integrated position) cleanly around the center intersection and finish terminal strokes with crisp tome (stop) or harai (sweep) release.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 又 (また (again))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 4 strokes under radical 又.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 友
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 友 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 友 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 友 ("friend") is written with 4 strokes (4画) as a JLPT N5 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) foundational low-stroke shape (1–5 strokes) indexed under the 又 (また (again)) radical. With only 4 strokes, 友 is a foundational shape where center-of-gravity alignment on the Genkō Yōshi (原稿用紙) crosshairs is immediately visible. Anchor the 又 (また (again)) structure (Standalone / Integrated position) cleanly around the center intersection and finish terminal strokes with crisp tome (stop) or harai (sweep) release.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 友?
For 友 (JLPT N5), the Onyomi is ユウ and the Kunyomi is とも. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (ユウ) when 友 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (とも) when 友 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 友 includes 友達 (ともだち (tomodachi) — friend), 友人 (ゆうじん (yuujin) — friend (formal)).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 友 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 4 strokes of 友 (friend), start with the 又 (また (again)) in the Standalone / Integrated (部首) position and follow standard Japanese Hitsujun (筆順) principles: top to bottom (上から下) and left to right (左から右). Practice 友 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N5 Characters to Practice Next
View Full JLPT N5 Kanji List →Unlock All 2,000+ JLPT N5–N1 Kanji, AI Sensei & Unlimited Genkō Yōshi PDF Books
Get lifetime access to all 2,136 Jōyō Kanji (JLPT N5–N1), AI Kanji Sensei mnemonics, and unlimited Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheets for a one-time payment of $17.99 USD (10% OFF the $19.99 Lifetime Pro Pass with promo code KANJI10). Zero monthly subscriptions!