友 (yǒu) — Friend
Single-character Chinese tattoo · verified meaning · friendship theme
Browse all 友 glyphs ↗Meaning & Nuance
友 (yǒu) means “friend” and “friendship.” Its ancient form shows two hands together — companionship and mutual support. As a tattoo it honors a bond that matters: a best friend, a sibling, a chosen family. It is warmer and more personal than 朋 (péng, friend/comrade) and pairs with 爱 (ài, love) in the spectrum of connection.
Pronunciation & Form
Pinyin: yǒu — a third-tone (dipping, low-then-rising) syllable. The character is traditionally two 又 (hand) forms side by side — two hands, i.e., friendship and cooperation.
Common Words & Phrases
Why Get 友 as a Tattoo
友 is a meaningful tattoo for honoring a friendship that changed your life. It reads as “friend” to Chinese readers and is compact and graphic. It pairs with a friend's name or 谊 (yì, friendship) as 友谊, or stands alone as a quiet emblem of loyalty and connection.
Tattoo Style & Placement
Best fits: fine-line, minimalist, or bold single-stroke. 友 is small and symmetric, ideal for the inner wrist, collarbone, behind the ear, or ankle — often matched on two people as a friendship tattoo. Keep it at least ~4 mm tall so the strokes stay crisp.
Authenticity & Cultural Note
Always confirm the character with a native speaker or linguist before inking. 友 (yǒu, friend) is sometimes confused with 有 (yǒu, to have) by translation tools — same sound, very different meaning; a verified 友 reads as “friend.” handmade.ink meanings are checked by native Chinese linguists.
Frequently Asked Questions
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