〜と共に
〜と共に in 30 Sekunden
- Means 'together with' or 'along with' in a formal tone.
- Used for simultaneous actions or proportional changes.
- Connects directly to nouns or dictionary-form verbs.
- Common in news, business, and academic writing.
The expression 〜と共に (to tomo ni) is a sophisticated and versatile grammatical structure in Japanese that primarily functions to indicate coexistence, simultaneity, or proportional change. At its core, the kanji 共 represents 'together' or 'shared,' and when combined with the particle 'to' and 'ni,' it creates a formal adverbial phrase. Unlike the more common 'to issho ni,' which is used for physical togetherness in casual settings, 〜と共に carries a literary and formal weight, making it indispensable for business, academic writing, and high-level journalism. It bridges the gap between simple 'and' relationships and complex causal or temporal links.
- Primary Usage: Coexistence
- Indicates doing something together with a person or existing alongside an object. Example: 家族と共に暮らす (Living together with family).
- Secondary Usage: Simultaneity
- Indicates two actions or states occurring at the exact same moment. Example: ベルが鳴ると共に (At the same time the bell rang).
- Tertiary Usage: Proportional Change
- Indicates that as one thing changes, another thing changes in tandem. Example: 時代と共に変わる (Changing with the times).
「技術の進歩と共に、私たちの生活はより便利になった。」
— Along with the progress of technology, our lives have become more convenient.
In the context of proportional change, it functions similarly to 〜につれて or 〜に従って, but with a specific nuance of 'harmony' or 'parallelism.' It suggests that the two phenomena are tightly bound together, moving as a single unit through time or logic. This is why it is frequently found in historical texts or scientific reports where trends are analyzed. For a B1 learner, mastering this allows for a transition from simple sentence structures to more cohesive, professional-sounding Japanese. It signals to the listener that you are capable of handling abstract concepts and formal registers.
「彼は優れた研究者であると共に、良き父でもある。」
— He is a great researcher as well as being a good father.
Furthermore, 〜と共に can be used to list two characteristics of a single subject, functioning like 'not only... but also' or 'as well as.' This 'dual nature' usage is common when describing people's personalities or the multifaceted nature of a project. It provides a balanced view, suggesting that both traits exist in equal measure and importance. This balance is a key aesthetic in formal Japanese communication.
Using 〜と共に correctly requires an understanding of both its grammatical placement and its social register. Because it is a formal expression, using it in a very casual conversation with close friends might sound slightly 'stiff' or overly dramatic, unless you are intentionally being poetic. However, in any professional or written context, it is the gold standard for expressing 'togetherness' or 'simultaneity.'
Noun Connection
Directly attach to the noun. No particles like 'no' are needed.
[Noun] + と共にExample: 太陽と共に (With the sun)
Verb Connection
Use the dictionary form of the verb to indicate simultaneous action.
[Verb Dictionary Form] + と共にExample: 卒業すると共に (Upon graduating)
When expressing proportional change (as A happens, B happens), the verbs used often imply a direction of change, such as 増える (increase), 広がる (spread), or 進む (progress). This usage is particularly common in academic papers and news reports. For example, 'As the population ages (高齢化が進むと共に), social security costs increase.' This shows a direct correlation between two evolving states.
「冬の訪れと共に、木々の葉が落ち始めた。」
— Along with the arrival of winter, the leaves of the trees began to fall.
Another nuanced use is the 'Dual Identity' pattern. If you want to say someone is both a teacher and an artist, you would use [Noun] + であると共に + [Noun] + でもある. This structure emphasizes that the two roles are not contradictory but coexist harmoniously within the person. It adds a layer of sophistication to your descriptions of people or organizations.
In summary, to use 〜と共に effectively, consider the relationship between the two elements. Are they just happening at the same time, or are they evolving together? If there is a sense of shared progression or a formal tone is required, 〜と共に is your best choice. Practice by replacing '〜と一緒に' in your formal emails or essays to immediately elevate your Japanese level.
The expression 〜と共に is a staple of formal Japanese discourse. You will encounter it frequently in environments where precision and politeness are paramount. Understanding its context helps in recognizing the 'mood' of the communication—usually serious, professional, or reflective.
- News Broadcasts: Anchors use it to link events. "The earthquake occurred along with a tsunami warning" (地震の発生と共に津波警報が出されました).
- Business Presentations: When discussing company growth alongside market trends. "Our company grew along with the market" (市場の拡大と共に、わが社も成長しました).
- Literature and Poetry: To describe natural transitions or emotional shifts. "With the dawn..." (夜明けと共に...).
- Academic Lectures: To explain correlations in science or history. "As urbanization progressed..." (都市化が進むと共に...).
「新年の幕開けと共に、新しいプロジェクトが始動した。」
— Along with the start of the New Year, a new project was launched.
In daily life, you might hear it in announcements at train stations or airports during formal apologies or updates. For example, "Along with the delay of the train, we apologize for the inconvenience." This usage softens the impact of the news by framing it within a larger context of events. It is also common in wedding speeches (Kanpai!) or graduation ceremonies, where the speaker reflects on time passing 'together with' the audience or the institution.
If you are watching NHK News or reading a newspaper like the Asahi Shimbun, count how many times you see this phrase. It is one of the most reliable markers of 'Standard Formal Japanese.' By recognizing it, you can immediately identify the speaker's intent to provide a structured, logical, and respectful explanation of events.
While 〜と共に is powerful, it is often misused by intermediate learners who treat it as a direct synonym for 'and' or 'with.' Understanding the subtle boundaries between this and similar particles is crucial for achieving natural-sounding Japanese.
- Mistake 1: Overuse in Casual Settings
- Saying "友達と共に映画に行った" (I went to a movie with my friend) in a casual chat sounds like you're writing a novel. Use "友達と一緒に" instead.
- Mistake 2: Confusing with 〜につれて
- While both show change, "〜につれて" is used for natural, automatic changes. "〜と共に" is broader and can include intentional actions or simultaneous events that aren't necessarily 'proportional.'
- Mistake 3: Incorrect Verb Form
- Learners sometimes use the 'te-form' or 'past tense' before と共に. It must always be the dictionary form for verbs.
❌ 「雨が降ったと共に、風が強くなった。」
✅ 「雨が降ると共に、風が強くなった。」
— As it rained (at the same time), the wind became stronger.
Another common error is failing to distinguish between 'simultaneity' and 'sequence.' If Action B happens *after* Action A, you should use '〜てから' or '〜た後で.' 〜と共に implies that the two are happening in the same window of time. For example, you cannot say "I ate dinner と共に I watched TV" if you finished eating before turning on the television.
Finally, be careful with the 'Dual Identity' usage. It is usually reserved for positive or neutral traits. Using it to combine two unrelated or jarringly negative traits might confuse the listener. It is a tool for creating a 'balanced portrait' of a subject, so use it to show complementary aspects.
Japanese has several ways to express 'together with' or 'along with.' Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the specific relationship between the items being discussed. Here is a breakdown of how 〜と共に compares to its cousins.
- 1. 〜と一緒に (To issho ni)
- The most common and casual way to say 'together with.' It usually implies physical presence. "I went with a friend."
- 2. 〜に伴って (Ni tomonatte)
- Very similar to the 'proportional change' usage of と共に, but emphasizes that the second thing happens *as a result* of the first. It is even more formal and often used in technical or legal contexts.
- 3. 〜と同時に (To douji ni)
- Focuses purely on the timing. "At the exact same second." It doesn't imply the 'shared journey' or 'proportionality' that と共に does.
- 4. 〜につれて (Ni tsurete)
- Used specifically for 'as A changes, B changes.' It is less formal than と共に and usually refers to natural processes (like getting older or the weather changing).
「成長と共に (Formal/Broad) vs. 成長につれて (Natural Process)」
— Both mean 'Along with growth,' but the former is more literary.
When deciding which to use, consider the 'Vibe' of your sentence. If you are writing a poem or a formal report, 〜と共に is almost always the superior choice. If you are talking to a colleague about a joint project, 〜と共に shows a high level of respect and professional alignment. If you are just hanging out, stick to 〜と一緒に.
In higher-level Japanese (N2/N1), you will also encounter 〜に従って (ni shitagatte), which implies following a rule or a set path. 〜と共に remains the most 'harmonious' of these options, suggesting that both elements are equal partners in the change or occurrence.
How Formal Is It?
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Schwierigkeitsgrad
Wichtige Grammatik
Beispiele nach Niveau
家族と共に住んでいます。
I live together with my family.
Noun + と共に
友達と共に勉強します。
I study together with my friends.
Noun + と共に
太陽と共に起きます。
I wake up with the sun.
Noun + と共に
犬と共に散歩します。
I walk with my dog.
Noun + と共に
先生と共に歌います。
I sing together with the teacher.
Noun + と共に
本と共に過ごします。
I spend time with books.
Noun + と共に
音楽と共に歩きます。
I walk with music.
Noun + と共に
自然と共に生きます。
I live with nature.
Noun + と共に
春の訪れと共に花が咲く。
Flowers bloom along with the arrival of spring.
Noun + と共に
ベルの音と共に授業が始まった。
The class started along with the sound of the bell.
Noun + と共に
彼は喜びと共に報告した。
He reported it with joy.
Noun + と共に
父と共に旅行に行きました。
I went on a trip together with my father.
Noun + と共に
朝食と共にコーヒーを飲む。
I drink coffee along with breakfast.
Noun + と共に
雨と共に風が強くなった。
The wind got stronger along with the rain.
Noun + と共に
卒業と共に日本を離れます。
I will leave Japan upon graduation.
Noun + と共に
歌と共に踊りましょう。
Let's dance along with the song.
Noun + と共に
インターネットの普及と共に生活が変わった。
Life changed along with the spread of the internet.
Noun + と共に
経済の成長と共に物価も上がった。
Prices rose along with the growth of the economy.
Noun + と共に
彼は俳優であると共に、歌手でもある。
He is an actor as well as being a singer.
Noun + であると共に
年を取ると共に、健康に気をつけるようになった。
As I get older, I've started to take care of my health.
Verb (Dictionary) + と共に
技術の進歩と共に、新しい問題も生まれた。
Along with technological progress, new problems were born.
Noun + と共に
夜明けと共に、私たちは出発した。
With the dawn, we set out.
Noun + と共に
感謝の気持ちと共に、手紙を送ります。
I am sending a letter along with my feelings of gratitude.
Noun + と共に
人口の減少と共に、学校が閉鎖された。
Along with the decrease in population, the school was closed.
Noun + と共に
都市化が進むと共に、自然が失われていった。
As urbanization progressed, nature was lost.
Verb (Dictionary) + と共に
この薬は効果があると共に、副作用もある。
This medicine is effective but also has side effects.
Verb (Dictionary) + と共に
時代の変化と共に、人々の価値観も変わる。
Along with the changing times, people's values also change.
Noun + と共に
彼女は美しくあると共に、非常に知的だ。
She is beautiful as well as being very intelligent.
Adjective + であると共に
地震の発生と共に、停電が起きた。
Along with the occurrence of the earthquake, a power outage happened.
Noun + と共に
子供の成長と共に、親の責任も重くなる。
As children grow, parents' responsibilities become heavier.
Noun + と共に
研究が進むと共に、真実が明らかになった。
As the research progressed, the truth became clear.
Verb (Dictionary) + と共に
彼はリーダーであると共に、良き理解者だ。
He is a leader as well as a good listener/understanding person.
Noun + であると共に
グローバル化の進展と共に、文化の多様性が問われている。
With the progress of globalization, cultural diversity is being questioned.
Noun + と共に
近代化は恩恵をもたらすと共に、伝統を破壊した。
Modernization brought benefits but also destroyed traditions.
Verb (Dictionary) + と共に
その政策は経済を活性化させると共に、格差を広げた。
That policy revitalized the economy while also widening the gap.
Verb (Dictionary) + と共に
宇宙の解明が進むと共に、新たな謎が増えていく。
As the mysteries of the universe are solved, new enigmas increase.
Verb (Dictionary) + と共に
彼は優れた政治家であると共に、冷酷な独裁者でもあった。
He was a brilliant politician as well as a ruthless dictator.
Noun + であると共に
産業の発展と共に、環境汚染が深刻化した。
Along with industrial development, environmental pollution became serious.
Noun + と共に
言葉は時代と共に変容する生き物のようなものだ。
Language is like a living thing that transforms with the times.
Noun + と共に
平和への祈りと共に、私たちは鐘を鳴らした。
Along with prayers for peace, we rang the bell.
Noun + と共に
文明の興亡は、常に環境の変化と共にあった。
The rise and fall of civilizations has always been linked with environmental changes.
Noun + と共に
知の探求は、自己の無知を悟ると共に始まる。
The quest for knowledge begins at the same time one realizes their own ignorance.
Verb (Dictionary) + と共に
芸術は時代を映し出す鏡であると共に、未来を創る力でもある。
Art is a mirror reflecting the times as well as a force creating the future.
Noun + であると共に
法の施行と共に、社会の秩序が再構築された。
With the enforcement of the law, social order was reconstructed.
Noun + と共に
生は常に死と共にあり、その緊張感が美を生む。
Life is always with death, and that tension gives birth to beauty.
Noun + と共に
情報の氾濫と共に、真実を見極める力が不可欠となった。
With the flood of information, the ability to discern the truth has become essential.
Noun + と共に
科学の光は闇を照らすと共に、新たな影を落とす。
The light of science illuminates the darkness while casting new shadows.
Verb (Dictionary) + と共に
歴史の潮流と共に、個人の運命は翻弄される。
Along with the tide of history, individual fates are tossed about.
Noun + と共に
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
時と共に忘れる
太陽と共に起きる
友人と共に歩む
希望と共に生きる
歴史と共に語り継ぐ
自然と共に暮らす
音楽と共に楽しむ
感謝と共に贈る
平和と共に歩む
変化と共に進化する
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Casual vs. Formal; physical vs. abstract.
Pure timing vs. shared journey/correlation.
Natural process vs. broad formal connection.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
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Leicht verwechselbar
Satzmuster
Wortfamilie
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Subject X has both quality A and quality B.
Action A and B happen at the same moment.
A and B must change in the same direction or at the same time.
- Using 'no' before 'tomo ni' (e.g., 家族のと共に).
- Using past tense before 'tomo ni' (e.g., 卒業したと共に).
- Using it in very casual text messages to friends.
- Confusing it with 'to douji ni' when the events aren't related.
- Using it for sequential events (A then B) instead of simultaneous ones.
Tipps
Noun Direct Link
Don't put 'no' between the noun and 'tomo ni'. It's 'Kazoku to tomo ni', not 'Kazoku no tomo ni'.
Elevate Your Writing
Replace 'to issho ni' with 'to tomo ni' in your next formal email to sound more professional.
Proportionality
Use it when two things are growing or shrinking at the same rate to show a logical link.
Dual Roles
Use 'であると共に' to describe someone with two jobs or two distinct personality traits.
Speech Ending
In formal speeches, ending a thought with '〜と共に、...したい' is a very common and polite way to express goals.
News Cues
When you hear 'tomo ni' on the news, prepare for a second piece of related information.
Literary Feel
In novels, it often sets a poetic mood, especially regarding nature or time passing.
JLPT Tip
If the question asks for a formal 'as/with' and 'ni tsurete' isn't there, 'tomo ni' is likely the answer.
Harmony
Remember that this word implies things are moving in harmony, not in conflict.
Simultaneity
Use it for things that happen 'bang' at the same time, like a bell ringing and a race starting.
Einprägen
Wortherkunft
Kultureller Kontext
Used in mission statements to show commitment to growing 'with' the community.
Essential for wedding toasts to describe the couple's journey together.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Gesprächseinstiege
"時代と共に、何が一番変わったと思いますか?"
"家族と共に過ごす時間は大切ですか?"
"技術の進歩と共に、私たちの生活はどうなるでしょうか?"
"自然と共に生きるためには、何が必要ですか?"
"仕事と共に、趣味も大切にしていますか?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Write about a change in your life that happened 'along with' a move to a new city.
Describe a person who is 'both' a mentor and a friend to you using であると共に.
Reflect on how your language skills have improved 'along with' your cultural understanding.
Write a short poem about the sunset using 〜と共に.
Discuss a global trend and how it progresses 'along with' technological innovation.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, you must use the dictionary form even if the whole sentence is in the past. The timing is determined by the final verb.
It's a bit stiff. Use 'to issho ni' for friends and family unless you want to sound very serious.
They are the same. Kanji is more formal; hiragana is slightly softer and common in literature.
Not directly, but it implies a relationship. 'Along with the rain, the wind got stronger' suggests the rain is related to the wind.
Yes, usually as '[Adjective]いと共に' or '[Adjective]いのであると共に' in very formal writing.
Yes, it is a common grammar point for N3 and N2 levels.
You would say '私と共に' (Watashi to tomo ni) in a formal speech, but never 'Boku to tomo ni' in casual talk.
No, it specifically means 'at the same time' or 'in addition to being.' It's more specific than 'and'.
Usually, it follows a noun or verb. You wouldn't start a sentence with just 'と共に'.
They are very close, but 'Ni tomonatte' is more about 'as a result of' or 'accompanying'.
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Summary
〜と共に is the formal bridge connecting two simultaneous events or evolving trends. It elevates your Japanese from simple 'and' statements to sophisticated observations of harmony and correlation.
- Means 'together with' or 'along with' in a formal tone.
- Used for simultaneous actions or proportional changes.
- Connects directly to nouns or dictionary-form verbs.
- Common in news, business, and academic writing.
Noun Direct Link
Don't put 'no' between the noun and 'tomo ni'. It's 'Kazoku to tomo ni', not 'Kazoku no tomo ni'.
Elevate Your Writing
Replace 'to issho ni' with 'to tomo ni' in your next formal email to sound more professional.
Proportionality
Use it when two things are growing or shrinking at the same rate to show a logical link.
Dual Roles
Use 'であると共に' to describe someone with two jobs or two distinct personality traits.
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr health Wörter
しばらく
B1Eine Weile, einige Zeit.
異変がある
B1To have an unusual change or abnormality.
異常な
B1Abnormal; ungewöhnlich. Beschreibt etwas, das auf besorgniserregende Weise von der Norm abweicht.
擦り傷
B1Scratch, graze, abrasion.
吸収する
B1To absorb.
禁酒
B1Abstinence from alcohol; the act of refraining from alcohol.
痛む
A2to hurt; to ache
鍼灸
B1Acupuncture and moxibustion; traditional Chinese medicine treatments.
急性的
B1Acute.
急性な
B1Acute