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～とともに

B1 noun #1,000 am häufigsten 13 Min. Lesezeit

～とともに

to tomo ni Top 1,000

At the A1 level, you are just starting your Japanese journey. You usually learn 'to issho ni' (together with) first. 'To tomo ni' is a much more formal version of this. While you might not use it yourself yet, you might see it in very formal greetings or signs. Think of it as 'A and B are together.' For example, 'I am with my family.' In A1, we focus on the simplest meaning: physical togetherness in a very polite way. It is like saying 'along with' instead of just 'with.' You will mostly see it with nouns representing people or very simple things like 'time.'

At the A2 level, you begin to see 'to tomo ni' in slightly more complex contexts, such as in simple news stories or formal letters. You are learning that Japanese has different levels of politeness. 'To tomo ni' is used when you want to sound respectful or professional. You might use it to say 'Together with the new year, let's work hard.' It starts to move beyond just 'people' and includes 'events' or 'times.' You should recognize that when you see this, the speaker is being very serious or formal. It's a step up from the 'issho ni' you learned in A1.

At the B1 level, you are expected to understand and start using 'to tomo ni' in its two main roles: 'together with' and 'at the same time as.' This is where you learn that it can connect verbs and adjectives, not just nouns. You will see it in intermediate textbooks to describe changes, like 'As the town changes, the people change.' You also learn the 'A is B as well as C' structure using 'dearu to tomo ni.' This level is about mastering the grammar rules: using the dictionary form for verbs and 'dearu' for na-adjectives. It is a key grammar point for the JLPT N3 exam.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'to tomo ni' in formal writing and speeches. You understand the subtle differences between this and 'ni tsurete' or 'ni tomonatte.' You use it to describe complex societal trends or multifaceted professional roles. For example, in a business presentation, you might describe a strategy that is 'innovative as well as cost-effective.' You also recognize its use in literature to create a specific atmosphere. Your focus at this level is on 'register'—knowing exactly when 'to tomo ni' is appropriate and when it's too formal.

At the C1 level, 'to tomo ni' becomes a natural part of your formal vocabulary. You use it effortlessly in academic papers, professional reports, and high-level debates. You understand its historical roots and how it contributes to the 'tone' of a text. You can use it to express very nuanced simultaneous changes where the timing is critical. You also notice when authors use it to link a character's internal emotional shift with an external environmental change. At this level, you are not just using the grammar; you are using it to add elegance and precision to your Japanese.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of 'to tomo ni.' You can distinguish between its standard use and its more archaic or poetic variations found in classical-style modern Japanese. You use it to weave complex arguments where multiple factors are changing in tandem. You are also aware of how dropping the 'ni' (to tomo) can change the rhythm and formality of a sentence in highly stylized writing. For you, 'to tomo ni' is one of many tools used to create sophisticated, high-register Japanese that commands respect and conveys deep meaning.

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～とともに in 30 Sekunden

Formal way to say 'together with' or 'along with'.
Used for simultaneous actions or proportional changes.
Connects with Nouns, Verbs (dictionary form), and Adjectives (dearu).
Common in news, academic writing, and formal speeches.

The Japanese grammatical structure ～とともに (to tomo ni) is a versatile and sophisticated expression primarily used to indicate that two things occur simultaneously, or that one action or state accompanies another. At its core, it is derived from the noun tomo (共), meaning 'together' or 'companion,' combined with the particle ni. While English speakers might first learn to issho ni for 'together with,' ~to tomo ni elevates the register, making it suitable for formal writing, speeches, and professional contexts. It functions as a bridge between simple companionship and complex, proportional change.

Grammatical Function: It acts as a compound particle or a conjunctive phrase that links two nouns or a verb and a following clause to show accompaniment or synchronization.
Formal Nuance: Unlike the casual 'issho ni', this expression suggests a more profound connection, often used in literature or news reports to describe societal shifts or significant life events.

家族とともに、新しい生活を始めます。
(Together with my family, I will start a new life.)

In addition to physical accompaniment, ~to tomo ni is frequently employed to describe 'proportional change'—the idea that as one thing changes, another thing changes alongside it. For instance, as technology advances, our lifestyles change. This usage is common in academic and socio-economic discussions. It implies a parallel progression where the two elements are inextricably linked. When you use this with a verb, the verb must be in its dictionary form, emphasizing a continuous or upcoming state of being. It is also used with nouns that represent change, such as 'development' (hatten) or 'popularization' (fukyuu).

時代の変化とともに、言葉も変わっていく。
(Along with the change of the times, language also changes.)

Usage in Media: News anchors use this to describe economic trends, such as 'As the yen weakens, prices rise.'

Furthermore, ~to tomo ni can express the simultaneous existence of two different states or emotions. A person might feel 'joy along with a sense of responsibility.' In this context, it functions similarly to 'at the same time as' or 'while also being.' This is particularly useful when describing complex human emotions or multifaceted situations where one simple adjective isn't enough to capture the whole picture. For example, a new project might be 'challenging along with being rewarding.' This dual-nature usage often requires the form ~dearu to tomo ni when following a 'na-adjective' or a noun to maintain grammatical correctness.

彼は優れた研究者であるとともに、良き父でもある。
(He is an excellent researcher as well as being a good father.)

To summarize, ~to tomo ni is a high-level tool that allows you to express accompaniment, proportional change, and simultaneity with a single phrase. Its presence in your vocabulary signals to Japanese speakers that you have moved beyond basic conversational skills into the realm of nuanced, adult communication. Whether you are describing a sunset that brings darkness along with a cool breeze, or a business strategy that grows along with the market, this phrase provides the necessary linguistic weight and precision.

春の訪れとともに、花が咲き始めた。
(With the arrival of spring, flowers began to bloom.)

Literary Use: Novels often use this to set a mood where the environment changes in sync with a character's internal state.

太陽が沈むとともに、辺りは暗くなった。
(As the sun set, the surroundings became dark.)

Mastering ～とともに requires understanding its three primary grammatical connections: nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Each connection has a specific nuance and rule that ensures your Japanese sounds natural and correct. The most common usage is with a noun, where it simply means 'together with [Noun].' This is structurally similar to the particle to but carries a much higher degree of formality. When you use it this way, you are emphasizing a shared experience or a simultaneous occurrence between the subject and the noun.

Noun + とともに: Structure: [Noun] + とともに. Example: 友人とともに (Together with friends). This is used for people, organizations, or abstract concepts like 'time' or 'change'.

彼は妻とともに、世界一周の旅に出た。
(He set out on a trip around the world together with his wife.)

When connecting to a verb, you must use the dictionary form (also known as the plain form or present-progressive base). This construction is specifically used to indicate that two actions are happening at the same time or that one action triggers a simultaneous change. It is very common in descriptions of nature or social phenomena. For example, 'As the temperature rises, the ice melts.' Here, the rising and the melting are linked in time and causality. Note that you cannot use the past tense of the verb before ~to tomo ni; the tense of the entire sentence is determined by the final verb.

経済が発展するとともに、人々の生活も豊かになった。
(As the economy developed, people's lives also became more affluent.)

Adjectives require a bit more care. For i-adjectives, you simply attach ~to tomo ni directly to the dictionary form. For na-adjectives and nouns (when using the 'as well as' meaning), you must insert dearu (the formal version of 'to be') before ~to tomo ni. This creates the phrase ~dearu to tomo ni. This is a very common pattern in professional profiles or descriptions of objects that serve multiple purposes. For instance, 'This device is a phone as well as a camera.'

Adjective + とともに: I-Adj: [Adj] + とともに. Na-Adj: [Adj] + であるとともに. Example: 賑やかであるとともに、静かな場所でもある (It is a lively as well as a quiet place).

この仕事は大変であるとともに、やりがいもある。
(This job is difficult, but at the same time, it is rewarding.)

Finally, consider the placement of the phrase within the sentence. It usually appears in the middle of the sentence to connect two clauses. However, in formal writing, you might see it at the beginning of a sentence as Sore to tomo ni (Along with that / At the same time), acting as a transition word. This helps maintain the flow of a formal essay or report. Remember that the second part of the sentence often contains words like mo (also) or mata (again/also) to reinforce the idea of 'both' or 'simultaneous change.'

年をとるとともに、体力が衰えてきた。
(As I get older, my physical strength has declined.)

By practicing these four patterns—Noun, Verb, I-Adjective, and Na-Adjective/Noun with 'dearu'—you will be able to construct complex and elegant Japanese sentences that clearly communicate the relationship between different events and states. This is a key skill for reaching the B2 and C1 levels of Japanese proficiency.

Understanding the context in which ～とともに is used is just as important as knowing the grammar. You are unlikely to hear this phrase in a casual conversation between teenagers at a karaoke box. Instead, it thrives in environments where precision, formality, and a sense of gravity are required. One of the most common places to encounter ~to tomo ni is in news broadcasts. Journalists use it to link societal trends, such as 'Along with the declining birthrate, the labor shortage is worsening.' This allows them to present two related facts in a single, cohesive sentence that sounds professional and authoritative.

News & Media: Used to report on economic shifts, environmental changes, and political developments where two things happen in tandem.

人口の減少とともに、空き家問題が深刻化している。
(Along with the decrease in population, the problem of vacant houses is becoming serious.)

Another key domain is academic writing and formal essays. If you are reading a research paper or a textbook on history or sociology, ~to tomo ni will appear frequently. It is the preferred way to describe historical progressions or scientific correlations. For example, 'Along with the industrial revolution, urbanization progressed rapidly.' It provides a logical link that suggests more than just 'A and B happened'; it suggests that A and B are part of the same historical or scientific process. This makes it an essential tool for students writing the JLPT N2 or N1 essays.

技術の進歩とともに、我々の生活様式は劇的に変化した。
(Along with technological progress, our lifestyles have changed dramatically.)

In the business world, ~to tomo ni is used in company announcements, mission statements, and formal speeches. A CEO might say, 'Together with our partners, we will create a sustainable future.' Here, the phrase conveys a sense of unity and shared purpose that 'issho ni' lacks. It sounds more like a commitment than a casual plan. It is also used in product descriptions to list multiple benefits: 'This software is easy to use, and at the same time, it offers powerful features.' This dual-benefit phrasing is very effective in marketing materials aimed at professionals.

Business Context: Found in press releases, annual reports, and formal greetings to express collaboration and multifaceted value.

新製品の発売とともに、キャンペーンを開始します。
(Along with the launch of the new product, we will start a campaign.)

Finally, you will find this expression in literature and poetry. Authors use it to create a rhythmic and formal tone, often linking the passage of time with the emotional growth of a character. It can describe the changing seasons, the rising sun, or the fading of memories. In these contexts, ~to tomo ni adds a layer of elegance and poetic resonance. When you hear it in a movie or a drama, it is usually spoken by an older character, a narrator, or in a very serious scene. It signals that the information being shared is of significant importance.

夜が明けるとともに、彼は旅立った。
(As dawn broke, he set out on his journey.)

While ～とともに is a powerful tool, it is easy to misuse if you don't understand its specific constraints. The most common mistake for English speakers is register mismatch. Because 'together with' is common in English, learners often try to use ~to tomo ni in casual conversations. Saying 'Tom-kun to tomo ni ramen wo tabeta' (I ate ramen together with Tom) sounds bizarrely formal, almost as if you are reading from a historical chronicle. In everyday life, always use to issho ni for social activities.

Mistake 1: Over-formality: Using it in casual settings. Correction: Use 'to issho ni' for friends and family in daily life.

❌ 友達とともに映画を見た。
✅ 友達と一緒に映画を見た。
(I watched a movie with my friend.)

Another frequent error involves the proportional change usage. Learners often confuse ~to tomo ni with ~ni tsurete or ~ni tomonatte. While they are similar, ~to tomo ni emphasizes that two things happen at the same time, whereas ~ni tsurete emphasizes a gradual, step-by-step change in one direction. If you use ~to tomo ni for a change that isn't strictly simultaneous or doesn't involve a 'side-by-side' progression, it might sound slightly off. Also, remember that ~to tomo ni can describe a change that happens in a single moment, while ~ni tsurete usually requires a process.

❌ 成長するとともに、背が高くなった。
✅ 成長するにつれて、背が高くなった。
(As I grew up, I got taller.)

A technical mistake often occurs with adjective conjugation. When using the 'at the same time as' meaning with nouns or na-adjectives, many learners forget to include dearu. Simply saying 'Kare wa sensei to tomo ni gakusei da' sounds like 'He is a student together with the teacher' (meaning they are both students), rather than 'He is a teacher and also a student.' To express that one person has two roles, you must use dearu to tomo ni. This is a critical distinction in formal Japanese.

Mistake 2: Missing 'Dearu': Forgetting 'dearu' when describing two qualities of one person/thing. Correction: [Noun/Na-Adj] + であるとともに.

❌ 彼は俳優とともに、歌手でもある。
✅ 彼は俳優であるとともに、歌手でもある。
(He is an actor as well as a singer.)

Finally, be careful with the direction of change. When using the proportional change meaning, both the first and second parts of the sentence should describe a change. If the second part is a static state, ~to tomo ni doesn't work well. For example, 'As it gets colder, I have a coat' is incorrect. It should be 'As it gets colder, the number of people wearing coats increases.' The 'togetherness' of the phrase implies that the movements or shifts in both clauses are happening in tandem.

❌ 寒くなるとともに、コートを持っている。
✅ 寒くなるにともなって、コートを着る人が増えた。
(As it got colder, the number of people wearing coats increased.)

Japanese has several ways to express 'together with' or 'as something happens,' and choosing the right one depends on the context and the specific relationship between the events. The most common alternative is と一緒に (to issho ni). This is the standard, everyday way to say 'together with.' It is used for people doing things together in a physical sense. If you are going to the mall with a friend, to issho ni is your go-to phrase. ~To tomo ni is simply the formal version of this, used in writing or formal speeches.

～とともに vs. ～と一緒に: 'To issho ni' is casual/neutral and physical. 'To tomo ni' is formal and can be abstract.

When expressing proportional change (As A happens, B happens), ～につれて (ni tsurete) is a very close relative. The main difference is that ~ni tsurete focuses on a gradual change in one direction (e.g., as you get older, as the city grows). It implies a natural progression. ~To tomo ni, on the other hand, emphasizes the simultaneity of the two changes. It is often used for changes that are more sudden or more formal in nature. In many cases, they are interchangeable, but ~to tomo ni sounds more academic.

～とともに vs. ～につれて: 'Ni tsurete' = gradual, natural progression. 'To tomo ni' = simultaneous, formal connection.

Another similar phrase is ～に伴って (ni tomonatte). This is also formal and used for simultaneous changes, but it carries a stronger sense of cause and effect. While ~to tomo ni just says 'A and B happen together,' ~ni tomonatte suggests that B happens because A happened. For example, 'Along with the company's expansion (A), new staff were hired (B).' The hiring is a direct consequence of the expansion. ~To tomo ni is more about the timing and the shared state.

～とともに vs. ～に伴って: 'Ni tomonatte' = cause and effect focus. 'To tomo ni' = simultaneous timing focus.

Finally, for the meaning of 'at the same time as' or 'as well as,' you might consider ～と同時に (to douji ni). This phrase is very literal about time. It means 'at the exact same moment.' While ~to tomo ni can describe broader simultaneous states (like being a teacher and a father), to douji ni is often used for specific actions: 'He opened the door and at the same time shouted.' To douji ni is also very common in news and formal writing but focuses more strictly on the clock rather than the relationship between the two things.

ベルが鳴ると同時に、生徒たちが教室を飛び出した。
(At the same time the bell rang, the students burst out of the classroom.)

How Formal Is It?

Formell

"皆様とともに、より良い社会を築いていきたいと考えております。"

Neutral

"春の訪れとともに、桜が咲き始めました。"

Informell

"N/A (Too formal for casual speech; use 'issho ni' instead)"

Child friendly

"お友達と一緒に遊びましょう。"

Umgangssprache

"N/A"

Wusstest du?

In classical Japanese, 'tomo' was often used to describe servants or retainers who followed a lord, which is why it still carries a formal and slightly 'following' nuance today.

Aussprachehilfe

UK to tomo ni

US to tomo ni

Flat pitch accent (Heiban), though 'tomo' can sometimes have a slight rise depending on the sentence flow.

Reimt sich auf

Koto ni Moto ni Hito ni Soto ni Ato ni Mono ni Kado ni Mado ni

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'tomo' like the English name 'Tom'.
Elongating the 'o' sounds into 'toh-moh'.
Pausing too long between 'tomo' and 'ni'.
Misplacing the pitch accent on 'ni'.
Confusing the 'to' particle with 'do'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Easy to recognize in text once you know the kanji '共'.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires careful attention to verb forms and 'dearu' usage.

Sprechen 4/5

Hard to use naturally without sounding overly formal.

Hören 3/5

Common in news, so intermediate learners will hear it often.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

一緒 (issho) 共 (tomo) と (to particle) に (ni particle) である (dearu)

Als Nächstes lernen

～につれて (ni tsurete) ～に伴って (ni tomonatte) ～に従って (ni shitagatte) ～と同時に (to douji ni) ～かたわら (katawara)

Fortgeschritten

～をものともせず (wo mono tomo sezu) ～とともにする (tomo ni suru - verb usage) ～と相まって (to aimatte)

Wichtige Grammatik

Noun + とともに

友人とともに旅をする。

Verb (Dictionary Form) + とともに

年をとるとともに、体力が落ちる。

Na-Adjective + であるとともに

彼は有名であるとともに、孤独でもある。

Noun + であるとともに

ここは学校であるとともに、避難所でもある。

I-Adjective + とともに

美しいとともに、機能的でもある。

Beispiele nach Niveau

家族とともに住んでいます。

I live together with my family.

Noun + とともに (Formal 'with')

友達とともに勉強します。

I study together with my friends.

Used here for a formal setting like a school.

先生とともに歩きます。

I walk together with the teacher.

Shows respect to the teacher.

犬とともに散歩します。

I take a walk together with my dog.

Formal way to describe a daily routine.

本とともに過ごします。

I spend time together with books.

Abstract use: spending time with an object.

音楽とともに踊ります。

I dance together with the music.

Indicates synchronization with the music.

母とともに料理を作ります。

I make food together with my mother.

Formal accompaniment.

平和とともに生きたいです。

I want to live together with peace.

Abstract noun + とともに.

新年とともに、新しい目標を立てました。

Along with the New Year, I set new goals.

Time-related noun + とともに.

卒業とともに、日本へ行きます。

Upon graduation, I will go to Japan.

Event + とともに (Simultaneous timing).

朝食とともに、コーヒーを飲みます。

I drink coffee along with breakfast.

Accompaniment of actions/items.

手紙とともに、写真を送りました。

I sent a photo along with the letter.

Physical accompaniment in a formal context.

歌とともに、思い出がよみがえります。

Along with the song, memories come back.

Abstract connection.

春の訪れとともに、暖かくなりました。

With the arrival of spring, it became warm.

Natural phenomenon + とともに.

社長とともに、会議に出席しました。

I attended the meeting together with the president.

Formal business accompaniment.

希望とともに、前へ進みましょう。

Let's move forward along with hope.

Abstract concept + とともに.

インターネットの普及とともに、生活が便利になった。

Along with the spread of the internet, life became more convenient.

Proportional change (Noun + とともに).

彼は歌手であるとともに、俳優としても活躍している。

He is a singer as well as being active as an actor.

Dual roles (Noun + であるとともに).

年をとるとともに、忘れっぽくなった。

As I get older, I've become more forgetful.

Proportional change (Verb Dictionary Form + とともに).

地震とともに、火災が発生した。

Along with the earthquake, a fire broke out.

Simultaneous events.

この薬は効果があるとともに、副作用も少ない。

This medicine is effective and at the same time has few side effects.

Dual qualities (Verb + とともに).

都市化が進むとともに、自然が失われていった。

As urbanization progressed, nature was lost.

Proportional change (Verb + とともに).

彼女は美しくあるとともに、知的な女性だ。

She is beautiful as well as being an intellectual woman.

Dual qualities (Na-Adj + であるとともに).

経済の発展とともに、環境問題も深刻になった。

Along with economic development, environmental problems became serious.

Proportional change (Noun + とともに).

科学技術の進歩とともに、倫理的な問題も浮上してきた。

Along with the progress of science and technology, ethical issues have also surfaced.

Formal academic/societal context.

この作品は、作者の喜びとともに、深い悲しみも表現している。

This work expresses deep sadness along with the author's joy.

Expressing simultaneous emotions.

グローバル化が進むとともに、自国の文化を見直す動きが強まった。

As globalization progresses, the movement to re-evaluate one's own culture has strengthened.

Complex societal change.

彼は優れた指導者であるとともに、謙虚な努力家でもある。

He is an excellent leader as well as being a humble, hard worker.

Dual character traits.

太陽が昇るとともに、霧が晴れていった。

As the sun rose, the fog cleared away.

Literary description of nature.

情報の多様化とともに、正しい情報を見極める力が必要だ。

Along with the diversification of information, the ability to discern correct information is necessary.

Societal requirement context.

会社の方針の変更とともに、社員の意識も変わり始めた。

Along with the change in company policy, the awareness of employees also began to change.

Organizational change.

激しい雨とともに、強い風が吹き荒れた。

Along with the heavy rain, strong winds raged.

Simultaneous natural phenomena.

文明の崩壊とともに、多くの知識が失われた。

Along with the collapse of civilization, much knowledge was lost.

Historical/Academic context.

この政策は経済を活性化させるとともに、格差を是正する目的がある。

This policy aims to revitalize the economy as well as correct inequality.

Political/Policy context.

近代化が進むとともに、伝統的な価値観が揺らぎ始めた。

As modernization progressed, traditional values began to waver.

Sociological analysis.

その決断は、勇気が必要であるとともに、多大な責任を伴うものだった。

That decision required courage and, at the same time, involved great responsibility.

Nuanced description of a situation.

民主主義の発展とともに、個人の自由が尊重されるようになった。

Along with the development of democracy, individual freedom came to be respected.

Historical progression.

彼は哲学者であるとともに、実践的な政治家でもあった。

He was a philosopher as well as being a practical politician.

Describing a multifaceted historical figure.

産業の構造変化とともに、労働市場も大きく変容した。

Along with the structural changes in industry, the labor market also transformed significantly.

Economic analysis.

季節の移り変わりとともに、人々の装いも彩りを増していく。

Along with the changing of the seasons, people's attire also becomes more colorful.

Poetic/Literary observation.

宇宙の膨張とともに、銀河間の距離は増大し続けている。

Along with the expansion of the universe, the distance between galaxies continues to increase.

Scientific/Cosmological context.

権力の集中とともに、腐敗が進むのは歴史の常である。

It is a constant of history that corruption progresses along with the concentration of power.

Philosophical/Historical aphorism.

その言説は、真実を突いているとともに、痛烈な社会批判にもなっている。

That discourse hits upon the truth and, at the same time, serves as a scathing social critique.

High-level literary/social analysis.

デジタル化の波とともに、既存のビジネスモデルは根底から覆された。

Along with the wave of digitalization, existing business models were overturned from their very foundations.

Advanced business/economic discourse.

意識の変容とともに、世界の捉え方も自ずと変わってくる。

Along with the transformation of consciousness, the way one perceives the world naturally changes.

Philosophical/Psychological nuance.

法制度の整備とともに、市民の権利意識も向上していった。

Along with the improvement of the legal system, citizens' awareness of their rights also improved.

Legal/Societal development.

言語の変遷とともに、その背景にある文化もまた変容を遂げる。

Along with the transition of language, the culture in its background also undergoes transformation.

Linguistic/Cultural analysis.

生命の誕生とともに、この惑星には新たな可能性が満ち溢れた。

With the birth of life, this planet became overflowing with new possibilities.

Grand, epic narrative style.

Häufige Kollokationen

時代の変化とともに

技術の進歩とともに

経済の発展とともに

家族とともに

喜びとともに

普及とともに

成長とともに

太陽が昇るとともに

協力とともに

感謝とともに

Häufige Phrasen

時とともに

歩みをともにする

生死をともにする

寝食をともにする

苦楽をともにする

運命をともにする

行動をともにする

歴史をともに刻む

志をともにする

喜びをともにする

Wird oft verwechselt mit

～とともに vs と一緒に (to issho ni)

Learners use 'to tomo ni' when they should use the casual 'to issho ni'.

～とともに vs につれて (ni tsurete)

Learners confuse the 'simultaneous' focus of 'to tomo ni' with the 'gradual' focus of 'ni tsurete'.

～とともに vs に伴って (ni tomonatte)

Learners miss the 'cause-effect' nuance of 'ni tomonatte'.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"時とともに忘れ去られる"

To be forgotten as time passes.

その事件も時とともに忘れ去られた。

Formal/Literary

"天とともに窮まりなし"

Endless as the heavens. Used for eternal things.

その名声は天とともに窮まりなし。

Archaic/Poetic

"光とともに去りぬ"

Gone with the light (similar to 'Gone with the Wind').

希望は光とともに去りぬ。

Literary

"波とともに消える"

To disappear with the waves.

砂の城は波とともに消えた。

Literary

"風とともに現れる"

To appear with the wind (suddenly).

彼は風とともに現れた。

Literary

"影とともに歩む"

To walk with one's shadow (to be lonely).

彼は孤独な影とともに歩んだ。

Poetic

"夢とともに生きる"

To live with one's dreams.

夢とともに生きる人生は素晴らしい。

Inspirational

"自然とともに暮らす"

To live in harmony with nature.

都会を離れ、自然とともに暮らしている。

Neutral

"伝統とともに歩む"

To move forward while keeping traditions.

この老舗は伝統とともに歩んできた。

Formal

"時代とともに流れる"

To go with the flow of the times.

流行は時代とともに流れていく。

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

～とともに vs に伴って (ni tomonatte)

Both mean 'along with' and are formal.

'Ni tomonatte' implies that A causes B. 'To tomo ni' focuses on them happening at the same time.

台風の接近に伴って、風が強まった。(The wind got stronger because the typhoon approached.)

～とともに vs につれて (ni tsurete)

Both describe proportional change.

'Ni tsurete' is for natural, gradual processes. 'To tomo ni' is for more formal or sudden simultaneity.

時間が経つにつれて、寒くなった。(As time passed, it got colder.)

～とともに vs に従って (ni shitagatte)

Both can mean 'as something happens'.

'Ni shitagatte' implies following a rule, order, or a set path. 'To tomo ni' is about togetherness.

ルールに従って、ゲームを進める。(Follow the rules to play the game.)

～とともに vs と同時に (to douji ni)

Both mean 'at the same time'.

'To douji ni' is very specific about the exact moment. 'To tomo ni' is broader and more formal.

ドアが開くと同時に、猫が逃げた。(At the same time the door opened, the cat ran away.)

～とともに vs と一緒に (to issho ni)

Basic meaning is the same.

'To issho ni' is for friends and physical things. 'To tomo ni' is for formal writing and abstract concepts.

友達と一緒に遊びました。(I played with my friend.)

Satzmuster

[Noun] + とともに、[Result]

春の訪れとともに、花が咲く。

[Verb Dictionary] + とともに、[Change]

経済が成長するとともに、物価が上がる。

[Noun] + であるとともに、[Noun] + でもある

彼は父であるとともに、師でもある。

[Na-Adj] + であるとともに、[Adj]

便利であるとともに、危険でもある。

[Abstract Noun] + の普及とともに、[Social Change]

AIの普及とともに、雇用形態が変わる。

[Verb Dictionary] + のとともに、[Simultaneous Action]

太陽が沈むのとともに、辺りは静まり返った。

それとともに、[Consequence]

それとともに、新たな課題も生じた。

[Complex Noun Phrase] + とともに歩む

我々は輝かしい未来とともに歩む。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in formal writing and news; rare in casual conversation.

Häufige Fehler

Using it with friends for lunch. → 友達と一緒にランチを食べた。
'To tomo ni' is too formal for a casual lunch with friends. It sounds stiff and unnatural.
Using past tense before the phrase: 'Sotsugyou shita to tomo ni...' → 卒業とともに、日本へ行った。
You must use the noun or the dictionary form of the verb. The tense is handled at the end of the sentence.
Forgetting 'dearu' for na-adjectives: 'Kirei to tomo ni...' → 綺麗であるとともに、親切だ。
Na-adjectives require 'dearu' to connect properly to 'to tomo ni' when meaning 'as well as'.
Using it for static, unrelated states. → 寒くなるとともに、風邪をひく人が増えた。
The two parts should be related or simultaneous. 'As it gets cold, I have a pen' makes no sense.
Confusing it with 'ni tsurete' for very slow, natural growth. → 子供が成長するにつれて、言葉を覚える。
While 'to tomo ni' is possible, 'ni tsurete' is often more natural for gradual, step-by-step development.

Tipps

Verb Form Rule

Always use the dictionary form of a verb before 'to tomo ni'. Never use the past tense or the 'te-form' here. The final verb of the sentence will tell you when the action happened.

Keep it Formal

Think of 'to tomo ni' as your 'suit and tie' grammar. Use it in essays, speeches, and formal letters. If you're wearing a T-shirt and jeans, you should probably use 'to issho ni'.

Proportional Change

When using it to describe two things changing together, make sure both parts of the sentence actually show change. Words like 'increase', 'decrease', 'become', and 'progress' are perfect partners for this phrase.

The 'Dearu' Bridge

Don't forget 'dearu' when connecting to a noun or a na-adjective to mean 'as well as'. It acts as a bridge that makes the sentence grammatically sound in a formal register.

News Keyword

This is a high-frequency keyword in Japanese news. When you hear it, prepare to hear about a trend or a societal shift. It helps you predict the structure of the news report.

Essay Flow

Use 'to tomo ni' to connect your points smoothly. It sounds much more professional than repeating 'soshite' (and) or 'mata' (also) over and over again.

Kanji Recognition

Remember the kanji '共' (together). Seeing this kanji is a huge hint that the phrase involves some kind of 'togetherness' or 'simultaneity'.

Versus 'Ni Tsurete'

If the change is a natural, slow process like 'getting older', 'ni tsurete' is often more natural. Use 'to tomo ni' when you want to emphasize the formal connection or the exact timing.

Interview Hack

Using 'to tomo ni' in a job interview to describe your skills (e.g., 'I am a designer as well as a coder') will make you sound very professional and articulate.

The 'Wa' Nuance

This phrase carries a subtle nuance of harmony. It suggests that things are moving together in a balanced way, which is a highly respected concept in Japanese culture.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Tomo' as 'Tomorrow'. You and your friend are going into 'Tomorrow Together'. Tomo = Together.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine two gears turning at the exact same time. When one moves, the other moves 'tomo ni' (together with it).

Word Web

Together Simultaneous Formal Along with Companion Change Sync Shared

Herausforderung

Try to write three sentences about how your life has changed 'along with' technology using 'to tomo ni'.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Old Japanese word 'tomo', which meant a companion or someone who accompanies another. The kanji '共' represents two hands holding an object together, signifying shared action.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To be in the company of another person or to share a state.

Japonic

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful not to use it for trivial things (like 'I went to the bathroom with my phone') as it sounds too grand.

English speakers often use 'with' for everything. Learning 'to tomo ni' helps them distinguish between casual 'with' and formal 'alongside'.

Used in the Japanese title of 'Gone with the Wind' (風と共に去りぬ). Commonly found in the lyrics of the Japanese national anthem's related formal poetry. Frequent in NHK news headlines regarding economic trends.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

News Reports

景気の回復とともに
物価の上昇とともに
技術の革新とともに
人口の移動とともに

Business Speeches

パートナー企業の皆様とともに
社員とともに
地域社会とともに
お客様とともに

Academic Writing

研究の進展とともに
データの蓄積とともに
理論の確立とともに
時代の要請とともに

Nature Descriptions

日の出とともに
潮の満ち引きとともに
季節の変わり目とともに
嵐の到来とともに

Personal Milestones

結婚とともに
就職とともに
引退とともに
誕生とともに

Gesprächseinstiege

"最近、技術の進歩とともに生活が変わったと感じることはありますか？"

"新年とともに、何か新しいことを始めましたか？"

"子供の成長とともに、親としての意識はどう変わりましたか？"

"仕事が忙しくなるとともに、健康管理で気をつけていることはありますか？"

"街の発展とともに、失われてしまったと感じるものはありますか？"

Tagebuch-Impulse

あなたの国で、経済の発展とともに変わった社会問題について書いてください。

あなたが大人になるとともに、大切にするようになった価値観は何ですか？

新しい趣味を始めるとともに、あなたの生活はどう豊かになりましたか？

「家族とともに過ごす時間」の重要性について、あなたの考えを述べてください。

科学の進歩とともに、人間が失ってはいけないものは何だと思いますか？

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, it is frequently used for abstract concepts like 'time', 'change', and 'technology'. While it can be used for people in formal contexts, its use with non-human subjects is very common in news and academic writing. For example, '時代の変化とともに' (Along with the change of the times).

The phrase itself doesn't change tense, but the verb before it must be in the dictionary form. The tense of the entire sentence is determined by the verb at the very end. For example, '経済が発展するとともに、生活が豊かになった' (As the economy developed, life became affluent).

'To issho ni' is neutral or casual and usually refers to physical accompaniment (e.g., going somewhere with a friend). 'To tomo ni' is formal and can refer to both physical accompaniment and abstract simultaneous changes. You wouldn't use 'to tomo ni' when talking to your friends about lunch.

You must use the form 'であるとともに'. For example, 'この町は静かであるとともに、不便でもある' (This town is quiet, but at the same time, it is inconvenient). Without 'dearu', the sentence would be grammatically incorrect.

Yes, it is a common grammar point for the JLPT N3 and N2 levels. You will likely see it in the reading section or as a multiple-choice question in the grammar section. Understanding its formal nuance is key to passing these levels.

In very formal or literary writing, you might see 'to tomo' (e.g., '家族と共'). However, in standard modern Japanese and for most learners, 'to tomo ni' is the correct and most natural form to use.

It can imply a relationship, but it is not as strong as 'ni tomonatte'. 'To tomo ni' focuses more on the fact that two things are happening at the same time, whereas 'ni tomonatte' specifically highlights that the second thing is a result of the first.

Yes, you can attach it directly to the dictionary form of an i-adjective. For example, 'この部屋は広いとともに、明るい' (This room is spacious and also bright). However, using 'dearu' with the noun form is sometimes preferred in very formal contexts.

Yes, it is very appropriate for business emails, especially when expressing gratitude or describing a collaborative project. For example, '新プロジェクトの開始とともに、ご協力をお願い申し上げます' (Along with the start of the new project, we ask for your cooperation).

Avoid using it for simple, casual actions. Saying 'I went to the park with my friend' using 'to tomo ni' sounds like you are writing a formal historical record. Stick to 'to issho ni' for everyday activities.