友人

ゆうじん

friend (formal)

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word '友人' (yǒurén) means 'friend' or 'acquaintance' and is often used in more formal or literary contexts compared to the more casual '朋友' (péngyou). It refers to someone with whom you have a friendly relationship but can also imply a respectful tone.

Common Contexts

'友人' is frequently used in written language, speeches, or formal introductions. It can denote close friends or simply acquaintances depending on context.

Collocations and Patterns

Nuances

Using '友人' instead of '朋友' can elevate the tone of your speech or writing, making it suitable for formal invitations, letters, or speeches. Avoid using '友人' in casual daily conversations where '朋友' is more natural.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse '友人' with '' (yǒurén), which means 'someone' or 'there is someone'. The pronunciation is the same but the meaning and usage differ significantly.

Example Sentences

I have known this friend for ten years.

He invited several friends to attend his birthday party.

In formal occasions, ‘友人’ sounds more formal than ‘朋友’.