Translation and Meaning of: 友 - tomo

The Japanese word 友[とも] carries deep and everyday meanings, being essential for those who study the language or are interested in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and use in different contexts, as well as practical tips for memorization. If you seek to understand how the Japanese view friendship or want to expand your vocabulary, this guide will help you.

Meaning and use of 友 [とも]

友[とも] is a word that means "friend" in Japanese, but with a nuance closer and more intimate than the generic term 友人[ゆうじん]. While 友人 can be used in formal situations, 友 has a more casual and affectionate tone, often used among people who share a relationship of trust.

An interesting detail is that 友 rarely appears alone in daily life. Japanese people usually combine it with other terms, like 親友[しんゆう] (best friend) or 男友[だんとも] (male friend). This characteristic reinforces how the Japanese language values the construction of relationships through language.

Origin and writing of the kanji 友

The kanji 友 is composed of two radicals: 又 (right hand) and ナ (a variation of 又). This combination suggests the idea of "hands that help each other," reflecting the concept of friendship as mutual support. The etymology dates back to Ancient China, where the character already represented bonds of companionship.

In modern writing, 友 maintains this essence, but with an interesting fact: although it is read as とも in isolated words, in compounds like 友情[ゆうじょう] (friendship), the reading changes to ゆう. This duality is common in kanji and highlights the importance of studying vocabulary in context.

Tips for memorizing and using 友[とも]

An effective way to memorize 友[とも] is to associate it with real situations. For example, in animes and dramas, close characters often use 友達[ともだち] (the most common form of "friend"). Observing these dynamics helps to understand when the term sounds natural.

Another tip is to practice with simple sentences like "彼はいい友だ" (he is a good friend). Avoid literal translations from Portuguese, as Japanese prioritizes the implicit relationship. Suki Nihongo, one of the best online dictionaries, provides real examples that illustrate these subtle differences well.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

仲間 (nakama) - Companion, partner; can refer to friends or colleagues in an organization.
友人 (yūjin) - Friend; it usually refers to a close or intimate friend.
とも (tomo) - Friend; a more informal and affectionate way to refer to friends.
仲間入りする (nakama iri suru) - Join a group of companions; become part of a team or community.
親友 (shinyū) - Best friend; usually implies a deeper and more lasting relationship than "friend".