同居する
同居する in 30 Seconds
- 同居する (dōkyo suru) means to live together in the same house or apartment with others.
- It is a formal suru-verb often used for family members, partners, or roommates in official contexts.
- Always use the particle 'と' (to) to indicate the person you are living with.
- It differs from '住む' (sumu) by emphasizing the shared relationship rather than just the location.
The Japanese verb 同居する (dōkyo suru) is a compound verb formed by two kanji: 同 (dō) meaning 'same' and 居 (kyo) meaning 'reside' or 'be present.' Together with the helper verb suru, it literally translates to 'to reside in the same place.' In practical usage, it refers to the act of living together under one roof, often implying a shared household. This word is versatile, covering everything from romantic partners cohabiting before marriage to adult children living with their elderly parents, or even roommates sharing an apartment. Unlike the more general term sumu (to live), which focuses on the location, 同居する emphasizes the relationship and the shared space between two or more individuals.
- Core Nuance
- The term specifically highlights the 'shared' aspect of living. It is frequently used in legal, social, and personal contexts to define a domestic arrangement where individuals are not just living in the same building, but are part of the same household unit.
結婚する前に、一年間ほど同居することにしました。 (We decided to live together for about a year before getting married.)
In contemporary Japanese society, the word carries significant cultural weight. Historically, Japanese households often followed the ie system, where multiple generations lived together as a matter of course. Today, 同居する is often used when discussing the decision for adult children to live with their parents (often referred to as oyako dōkyo) to provide care or save money. It is also the standard term for 'cohabitation' in a romantic sense, which has become increasingly common in urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka, though it still carries a slightly more 'official' or 'serious' tone than the English 'living together.'
- Social Context
- In census forms or official documents, you will see the term 同居人 (dōkyonin), which refers to 'cohabitants' or residents of the same household who are not the head of the household.
祖母と同居するようになってから、家の中がにぎやかになりました。 (Since we started living with my grandmother, the house has become lively.)
Furthermore, the word is used in medical or welfare contexts when determining eligibility for certain benefits. If an elderly person is 同居 with a family member who has a high income, their benefits might be calculated differently. This highlights that 同居する isn't just a lifestyle choice but a recognized legal status in Japan. It contrasts sharply with bekkyo suru (to live separately), which is often used when a married couple lives apart due to work or relationship issues.
- Formal vs. Informal
- While 同居する is perfectly fine in polite conversation, in very casual settings with friends, people might simply say issho ni sunderu (living together). Use 同居する when you want to sound more precise or when discussing formal arrangements.
都会では、家賃を節約するために友人と同居する若者が増えています。 (In big cities, more young people are living with friends to save on rent.)
彼は猫三匹と同居しています。 (He lives with three cats.)
将来、親と同居するつもりはありますか? (Do you have any intention of living with your parents in the future?)
Grammatically, 同居する functions as a suru-verb (Noun + suru). This means it follows the standard conjugation patterns for all suru verbs. To indicate the person or group you are living with, you must use the particle と (to). For example, 'A to dōkyo suru' means 'to live together with A.' If you want to describe the ongoing state of living together, you use the continuous form: 同居している (dōkyo shite iru). This is the most common form you will encounter when someone is describing their current living situation.
- Sentence Structure
- [Person] + と + 同居する/している.
Example: Kanojo to dōkyo shite iru (I am living with my girlfriend).
私たちは大学時代からずっと同居しています。 (We have been living together ever since our university days.)
When talking about the place where the cohabitation occurs, use the particle で (de) for the location of the action, or に (ni) if the verb is used in a way that emphasizes the destination or fixed residence. However, dōkyo suru is more about the 'with whom' than the 'where.' If the focus is purely on the location, sumu is preferred. If you want to say you are living together in a specific house, you would say Kono ie de dōkyo suru.
- Negative Form
- To say you do not live together, use 同居していない (dōkyo shite inai) or 同居しません (dōkyo shimasen).
兄は結婚していますが、義理の両親とは同居していません。 (My older brother is married, but he does not live with his in-laws.)
In formal writing, you might see 同居を開始する (dōkyo o kaishi suru), which means 'to commence cohabitation.' This is common in news reports or legal documents. Conversely, 同居を解消する (dōkyo o kaishō suru) means to end the living arrangement, usually implying a breakup or a decision to live separately. This verb is also often used in the potential form dōkyo dekiru (can live together) when discussing compatibility or space issues.
- Polite Requests
- If asking someone to live together: Issho ni dōkyo shite kuremasen ka? (Won't you live together with me?). Note that issho ni sumu is more common for romantic proposals.
猫がアレルギーの原因なら、彼と同居するのは難しいでしょう。 (If cats are the cause of your allergy, it will be difficult to live together with him.)
長男が結婚して、新しい家族と同居することになった。 (The eldest son got married and decided to live with his new family.)
プライバシーを守るために、親とは同居しない方がいいと思う。 (To protect your privacy, I think it's better not to live with your parents.)
You will encounter 同居する in a wide variety of settings, ranging from the mundane to the highly formal. One of the most common places is in the fudousanya (real estate office). When looking for an apartment, the agent might ask about dōkyonin (cohabitants) to ensure the building's rules allow multiple people. Many single-occupancy apartments in Japan strictly forbid dōkyo, and violating this can lead to eviction. Therefore, the word appears frequently in rental contracts and lease agreements.
- Real Estate Context
- 'Dōkyo-ka' (Living together allowed) is a common tag on apartment listings, especially those suitable for couples or friends sharing.
このマンションは、友人と同居することが禁止されています。 (Living with a friend is prohibited in this apartment building.)
Another major sphere is family discussions and social commentary. In Japan, the aging population (shoushikahoukyuu) has sparked endless debates about kaigo (nursing care) and whether it is better for elderly parents to dōkyo suru with their children or move into a care facility. You will hear this word in news reports, talk shows, and documentaries discussing the '2-generation house' (nisedai juutaku), which is a house specifically designed for two families to live together while maintaining some privacy.
- Workplace & Legal
- When applying for health insurance or tax deductions, you often have to declare whether your dependents are dōkyo (living with you) or bekkyo (living apart).
税金の控除を受けるには、扶養家族と同居している必要があります。 (To receive a tax deduction, you need to be living with your dependents.)
In romantic contexts, the word is often used when couples take the 'next step.' A common phrase is kekkon o zentei ni dōkyo suru (to live together with the premise of marriage). This indicates a serious commitment. You might also hear it in gossip or office chatter: Ano futari, dōkyo shite iru rashii yo (Apparently, those two are living together). In this sense, it is the equivalent of 'shacking up' but without the necessarily negative connotation.
- Daily Life
- When filling out forms at a hospital or a city hall (yakusho), you will likely see a checkbox for whether you live with your family.
役所の書類に、同居家族の氏名を記入してください。 (Please fill in the names of the family members living with you on the government form.)
彼女はペットの柴犬と同居していて、とても幸せそうです。 (She lives with her Shiba Inu and seems very happy.)
ルームシェアという形で、他人と同居するのは勇気がいります。 (It takes courage to live with a stranger in the form of a room share.)
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is using 同居する when they simply mean 'to live somewhere.' While sumu (住む) is the general verb for residing in a location (e.g., 'I live in Tokyo'), 同居する requires a second party. You cannot dōkyo suru by yourself. If you say Watashi wa Tokyo ni dōkyo shite imu, it sounds like you are living with 'Tokyo' as a person, which is nonsensical. Always remember that this verb describes a relationship between people sharing a space.
- Mistake 1: Missing the Partner
- Incorrect: Hitori de dōkyo shite imasu. (I live together alone.)
Correct: Hitori-gurashi o shite imasu. (I live alone.)
❌ 私はアパートに同居しています。
✅ 私はアパートに住んでいます。
Another common error is confusing 同居する with kekkon suru (to marry). While many people who dōkyo are married, the terms are not interchangeable. Dōkyo refers purely to the physical living arrangement. A couple can be married but bekkyo (living apart, perhaps due to work), and a couple can dōkyo without being married. Using the wrong word can lead to misunderstandings about your legal or social status.
- Mistake 2: Particle Confusion
- Incorrect: Kanojo ni dōkyo suru. (Live together to girlfriend.)
Correct: Kanojo と dōkyo suru. (Live together with girlfriend.)
❌ 彼は両親に同居しています。
✅ 彼は両親と同居しています。
Learners also sometimes mix up dōkyo with kyousei (coexistence). Kyousei is a broader, often biological or philosophical term for living together in harmony (like humans and nature, or different species). You wouldn't use kyousei to describe living with your roommate. Conversely, dōkyo is strictly for sharing a physical residence. Additionally, watch out for the kanji; kyo (居) is often confused with ko (去 - past) or other similar-looking characters.
- Mistake 3: Formality Mismatch
- Using dōkyo suru in a very casual, romantic setting might make the relationship sound more like a business arrangement. If you're talking about your soulmate, issho ni kurasu (living our lives together) sounds much more romantic.
❌ 来年から彼女と同居するんだ! (Sounds a bit stiff)
✅ 来年から彼女と一緒に暮らすんだ! (Sounds natural and happy)
❌ 兄は一人で同居しています。
✅ 兄は一人暮らしをしています。
Japanese has several ways to express 'living with someone,' each with its own shade of meaning. The most common alternative is 一緒に住む (issho ni sumu). This is the literal equivalent of 'to live together' and is used in almost any situation. It is less formal than 同居する and is the preferred choice for daily conversation. If you want to emphasize the lifestyle or the act of spending daily life together, you might use 共に暮らす (tomo ni kurasu) or issho ni kurasu, which feels warmer and more evocative of a shared life journey.
- Comparison: 同居 vs. 住む
- 同居する: Formal, clinical, emphasizes the shared household unit. Used in legal/official contexts.
一緒に住む: Neutral, common, emphasizes the shared location. Used in general conversation.
私たちは結婚してからも、ずっとこの家で共に暮らしてきました。 (We have lived our lives together in this house even after getting married.)
Another related term is ルームシェア (ruumu shea). While dōkyo can include roommates, ruumu shea specifically refers to the modern Western-style arrangement of sharing an apartment to split costs. If you are living in a dormitory or a shared facility, you might use 共同生活 (kyōdō seikatsu), which means 'communal living.' This is often used for sports teams, boarding schools, or religious communities where the focus is on the collective rules and shared activities.
- Comparison: 同居 vs. 共同生活
- 同居する: Focuses on the fact of sharing a residence (usually family/partners).
共同生活: Focuses on the shared activities and rules of a group living together.
寮での共同生活は、規律が厳しくて大変でした。 (Communal living in the dormitory was difficult because of the strict discipline.)
For a more literary or high-level term, you might encounter 同棲する (dōsei suru). This word specifically refers to an unmarried couple living together in a sexual/romantic relationship. While dōkyo is broad (can be parents, friends, etc.), dōsei is narrow and specifically romantic. It is the direct equivalent of the English 'cohabiting' in a romantic sense. Using dōsei for your parents would be a major mistake and very confusing!
- Comparison: 同居 vs. 同棲
- 同居: Anyone living together (parents, kids, friends, partners).
同棲: Only unmarried romantic partners living together.
親に内緒で彼氏と同棲しています。 (I am cohabiting with my boyfriend secretly from my parents.)
都会の喧騒を離れ、自然と共生する暮らしに憧れています。 (I long for a life of coexistence with nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.)
ルームメイトと同居しているので、光熱費は折半です。 (Since I live with a roommate, we split the utility bills.)
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The kanji 居 (kyo) originally depicted a person sitting on a stool or a seat, emphasizing the act of staying in one place. The 'same' part (同) shows a mouth and a cover, suggesting people speaking with one voice or being in agreement.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'dō' as a short 'do'. It must be held longer.
- Treating 'kyo' as two syllables 'ki-yo'. It should be one smooth sound.
- Using an English 'r' for 'suru'. Use a light Japanese tap 'r'.
- Confusing the pitch accent, which generally starts high and drops.
- Failing to pronounce the 'u' in 'suru' clearly in polite speech.
Difficulty Rating
The kanji are common but require B1 level knowledge.
Writing 'kyo' (居) correctly can be tricky for beginners.
The pronunciation is straightforward once you master long vowels.
It sounds distinct and is easy to pick out in conversation.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
The particle 'と' for accompaniment
田中さんと同居しています。
Suru-verb conjugation
同居します、同居した、同居しない。
Continuous state with 'te iru'
今、兄と同居しています。
Nominalizing verbs with 'koto'
同居することは大変だ。
Expressing purpose with 'tame ni'
同居するために引っ越す。
Examples by Level
私は家族と同居しています。
I live with my family.
Uses the continuous form 'shite imasu' to show an ongoing state.
猫と同居するのは楽しいです。
Living with a cat is fun.
The particle 'no' turns the verb into a noun phrase.
兄と同居していますか?
Do you live with your older brother?
A simple question using the 'to' particle for 'with'.
一人で住んでいます。同居していません。
I live alone. I don't live with anyone.
Contrasts 'sumu' (live) with the negative 'dōkyo shite imasen'.
彼女と同居したいです。
I want to live with my girlfriend.
Uses the 'tai' form to express desire.
友達と同居するのは安いです。
Living with a friend is cheap.
Uses 'yasui' (cheap) to describe the living situation.
おじいさんと同居しています。
I live with my grandfather.
Shows a multi-generational living arrangement.
ここで同居してもいいですか?
Is it okay if we live together here?
Uses the 'te mo ii desu ka' pattern for permission.
来月から、親友と同居することになりました。
It has been decided that I will live with my best friend starting next month.
Uses 'koto ni narimashita' to indicate a decision made by external factors or a firm plan.
同居している人は誰ですか?
Who is the person living with you?
Uses 'dōkyo shite iru' as an adjective to modify 'hito' (person).
犬と猫が同じ家で同居しています。
A dog and a cat are living together in the same house.
Shows that 'dōkyo' can apply to animals as well.
家賃が高いので、誰かと同居したいです。
Because the rent is high, I want to live with someone.
Uses 'node' to provide a reason for the desire to live together.
祖母と同居するために、広い家を探しています。
I am looking for a spacious house in order to live with my grandmother.
Uses 'tame ni' to express the purpose of the search.
彼とはもう同居していません。
I am no longer living with him.
Uses 'mou' (already/no longer) with the negative form.
同居するのは少し大変ですが、楽しいです。
Living together is a bit difficult, but it's fun.
Uses 'ga' to connect two contrasting feelings.
ルームメイトと同居するルールを決めました。
We decided on rules for living together with my roommate.
Shows the practical side of 'dōkyo' with friends.
結婚する前に同居して、相性を確かめるカップルが増えています。
An increasing number of couples live together before marriage to check their compatibility.
Uses the 'te-form' to link the action of living together with checking compatibility.
義理の両親と同居するのは、かなりの覚悟が必要です。
Living with your in-laws requires a significant amount of resolve.
Uses 'hitsuyou' (necessary) to describe the mental state needed for 'dōkyo'.
彼はプライバシーを重視して、誰とも同居したくないと言っています。
He values privacy and says he doesn't want to live with anyone.
Uses 'juushi shite' (valuing) to provide the context for his preference.
同居を解消することになった理由を教えてください。
Please tell me the reason why you decided to stop living together.
Uses 'kaishou suru' (to dissolve/end) as a formal way to say stop living together.
都会では、赤の他人と同居するシェアハウスが人気です。
In big cities, share houses where you live with complete strangers are popular.
Uses 'aka no tanin' (complete stranger) to emphasize the nature of the arrangement.
長男夫婦と同居するために、家をリフォームしました。
We renovated the house in order to live with our eldest son and his wife.
Shows 'dōkyo' as a driver for major financial decisions like renovation.
同居している家族全員の保険証を持ってきてください。
Please bring the health insurance cards for all family members living with you.
Uses 'dōkyo shite iru' to define a specific group of family members.
ペット不可のマンションなので、猫と同居することはできません。
Since it's a no-pets apartment, you cannot live with a cat.
Uses 'koto wa dekimasen' to express impossibility.
少子高齢化の影響で、親と同居する世帯が再び注目されています。
Due to the aging population and low birthrate, households living with parents are drawing attention again.
Uses 'shoushikahoukyuu' and 'setai' (household) for a more formal, sociological tone.
同居親族であっても、労働基準法が適用されない場合があります。
Even for relatives living together, there are cases where the Labor Standards Act does not apply.
Uses 'te mo' (even if) and 'tekiyou' (application) in a legal context.
介護の負担を減らすために同居を選んだが、精神的なストレスも大きい。
I chose to live together to reduce the burden of nursing care, but the mental stress is also significant.
Contrasts the benefit of 'dōkyo' with its emotional cost using 'ga'.
二世帯住宅は、同居のメリットを活かしつつプライバシーも守れる設計です。
Two-generation housing is designed to utilize the benefits of living together while also protecting privacy.
Uses 'tsutsu' (while/at the same time) to show simultaneous goals.
彼は住民票の上では同居していますが、実際にはほとんど家にいません。
On the resident register, he is living there, but in reality, he is hardly ever home.
Distinguishes between official status ('juuminhyou') and actual reality.
同居によるトラブルを避けるために、事前に家事の分担を決めておくべきだ。
To avoid troubles caused by living together, chores should be divided in advance.
Uses 'beki da' (should) to give strong advice.
経済的な自立が難しいため、やむを得ず親と同居を続けている若者も多い。
There are many young people who continue to live with their parents out of necessity because economic independence is difficult.
Uses 'yamu o ezu' (unavoidably) to show a lack of choice.
彼女はパートナーと同居を開始してから、仕事の効率が上がったと言っている。
She says her work efficiency has improved since she started living with her partner.
Uses 'kaishi shite kara' (since starting) to show a timeline of change.
都市部における単身世帯の急増は、伝統的な同居の形態を根底から覆している。
The rapid increase in single-person households in urban areas is fundamentally overturning traditional forms of cohabitation.
Uses sophisticated vocabulary like 'kontei kara kutsugaesu' (overturn from the roots).
同居という選択が、個人の自由を制限するのか、それともセーフティネットとして機能するのかは議論の余地がある。
Whether the choice to live together limits individual freedom or functions as a safety net is open to debate.
Uses 'giron no yochi ga aru' (there is room for debate) to present a complex issue.
法的には、同居の実態が婚姻関係に準ずるものとみなされるかどうかが重要な争点となる。
Legally, whether the reality of cohabitation is deemed equivalent to a marital relationship becomes a crucial point of contention.
Uses legal terms like 'juntaru' (equivalent to) and 'souten' (point of contention).
異文化を持つ人々が同居する社会において、相互理解は欠かすことのできない要素である。
In a society where people of different cultures coexist, mutual understanding is an indispensable element.
Uses 'dōkyo' metaphorically to describe a multicultural society.
介護離職を防ぐ手立てとして、職場近接の同居を支援する企業も現れ始めている。
As a means to prevent quitting for caregiving, some companies are starting to support employees living with family near the workplace.
Uses 'shokuba kinsetsu' (near the workplace) and 'tedate' (means/measure).
核家族化が進む中で、あえて同居を選ぶことの心理的・経済的インセンティブを分析する必要がある。
As nuclear families become the norm, it is necessary to analyze the psychological and economic incentives for choosing to live together.
Uses 'aete' (daringly/purposely) to highlight a choice that goes against the trend.
同居生活における沈黙は、必ずしも不和を意味するのではなく、親密さの表れであることもある。
Silence in a shared life does not necessarily mean discord; it can also be an expression of intimacy.
Uses 'kanarazushimo... de wa nai' (not necessarily) to express a nuanced point.
住宅政策において、同居を奨励するのか、個々の自立を促すのか、そのバランスが問われている。
In housing policy, the balance between encouraging cohabitation and promoting individual independence is being questioned.
Uses 'shourei suru' (encourage) and 'unagasu' (promote/urge).
近代文学における「同居」の描写は、しばしば家父長制的な抑圧と個の葛藤の象徴として描かれてきた。
The depiction of 'cohabitation' in modern literature has often been portrayed as a symbol of patriarchal oppression and individual conflict.
Uses high-level literary analysis terms like 'kafuchouseiteki' (patriarchal) and 'kattou' (conflict).
デジタルノマドの台頭は、物理的な同居という概念を希薄化させ、仮想的な共同体の重要性を高めている。
The rise of digital nomads is diluting the concept of physical cohabitation and increasing the importance of virtual communities.
Uses 'kikaku-ka' (dilution) and 'kasouteki' (virtual) to discuss modern trends.
同居というミクロな人間関係の縮図の中に、マクロな社会構造の矛盾が如実に反映されている。
Within the microcosm of human relations that is cohabitation, the contradictions of the macro social structure are vividly reflected.
Uses 'shukuzu' (microcosm) and 'nyojitsu ni' (vividly/realistically).
自己と他者が同居するというパラドックスを抱えながら、我々は絶えずアイデンティティを再構築している。
While harboring the paradox of the self and the 'other' living together within us, we are constantly reconstructing our identity.
Uses 'paradokkusu' (paradox) and 'saikouchiku' (reconstruction) in a philosophical sense.
都市再生の文脈において、多世代同居を促す空間設計が、コミュニティのレジリエンスを高める鍵となる。
In the context of urban renewal, spatial designs that encourage multi-generational cohabitation are the key to enhancing community resilience.
Uses 'bunryaku' (context) and 'rejiriensu' (resilience).
同居人の死という峻烈な現実に直面したとき、遺された者が辿る心理的変容は極めて複雑である。
When faced with the harsh reality of the death of a cohabitant, the psychological transformation that the survivor undergoes is extremely complex.
Uses 'shunretsu' (harsh/severe) and 'henyou' (transformation).
所有から共有へと価値観がシフトする中、同居は単なる住居の共有を超え、新たな連帯の形を模索している。
As values shift from ownership to sharing, cohabitation is moving beyond mere sharing of a residence and is seeking new forms of solidarity.
Uses 'rentai' (solidarity) and 'mosaku suru' (to grope/seek).
プライバシーの極致を追求する現代人にとって、他者と同居することは、ある種のエクストリームな精神修行とも言える。
For modern people who pursue the pinnacle of privacy, living with another person can be said to be a kind of extreme spiritual training.
Uses 'kyokuchi' (pinnacle/extreme) and 'seishin shuugyou' (spiritual training) with a touch of irony.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— The life or lifestyle of living together with someone.
新しい同居生活にワクワクしています。
— The conditions or rules for living together.
同居の条件について話し合いましょう。
— To recommend or suggest living together.
母が祖母との同居を勧めてきた。
— To refuse to live together.
彼は親との同居を拒んでいる。
— The stress that comes from living with others.
同居のストレスで体調を崩した。
— Currently living together.
現在、婚約者と同居中です。
— Whether or not one lives with others (on forms).
同居の有無を教えてください。
— Being able or allowed to live together.
この部屋は二人同居が可能です。
— To ask someone to live with you.
勇気を出して同居をお願いした。
— To force someone to live together.
子供に同居を強いるのは良くない。
Often Confused With
Sumu is general 'to live'. Dōkyo is specific 'to live together with someone'.
Dōsei is only for unmarried romantic couples. Dōkyo is for anyone (parents, friends, etc.).
Kyōdō seikatsu is communal living with shared rules (like a dorm). Dōkyo is just sharing a home.
Idioms & Expressions
— Living in the same house. Often used to highlight the intimacy or conflict of the situation.
私たちは一つ屋根の下で暮らす家族です。
General— To live and eat together. Implies a very close, intense shared experience, often for work or training.
選手たちは合宿で一ヶ月間、寝食を共にした。
Formal— To eat from the same pot. It means to share experiences and build a strong bond through living together.
同じ釜の飯を食った仲間は一生の宝だ。
Casual/Idiomatic— To lend the eaves and have the main house taken. A warning about letting someone 'dōkyo' who eventually takes over everything.
親切で同居させたのに、軒を貸して母屋を取られる結果になった。
Proverb— Like water and oil. Used for people who 'dōkyo' but cannot get along at all.
あの二人は同居しているが、まるで水と油だ。
Idiomatic— Enemies in the same boat. Used when people who dislike each other have to live or work together.
喧嘩中の二人が同居するのは、まさに呉越同舟だ。
Four-character idiom (Yojijukugo)— The raising and lowering of chopsticks. Refers to the tiny details of daily life that can cause friction when living together.
同居すると、箸の上げ下げまで気になってしまう。
Idiomatic— In perfect sync. Describes the ideal state of living together where communication is effortless.
長年同居している二人は阿吽の呼吸で家事をこなす。
General— To go to live with someone for help or shelter. A more humble way to say you are living with someone.
しばらくの間、叔父の家に身を寄せることにした。
Formal— To sit knee-to-knee. Refers to the close contact and serious discussions required when living together.
同居のルールについて、膝を突き合わせて話し合った。
IdiomaticEasily Confused
Both start with 'dō' (same).
Dōseki means to sit at the same table or be present at the same meeting. It has nothing to do with living together.
会議に同席する。
Both start with 'dō' (same).
Dōkō means to accompany someone to a place. It's about travel or going somewhere together.
出張に同行する。
Both start with 'dō' (same).
Dōkan means to have the same feeling or to agree with someone. It's an emotion/opinion, not an action.
彼の意見に同感だ。
Starts with 'dō' and has a similar sound.
Dōkyuusei means a classmate. Someone in the same grade as you.
彼は私の同級生です。
It's the antonym but uses the same 'kyo' (reside) kanji.
Bekkyo means living apart. It is the opposite of dōkyo.
今は夫と別居しています。
Sentence Patterns
[Person] と同居しています。
母と同居しています。
[Person] と同居するつもりです。
来年、彼女と同居するつもりです。
[Person] と同居することになりました。
祖父と同居することになりました。
[Person] と同居するのは [Adjective] です。
他人と同居するのは難しいです。
[Reason] ために、[Person] と同居しています。
節約するために、友人と同居しています。
同居を [Verb-form] ...
同居を解消したいと思っています。
同居の実態は...
同居の実態は調査によって明らかになった。
同居という形態が...
同居という形態が家族の絆を強める。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High, especially in family and social discussions.
-
Using 'dōkyo suru' for living alone.
→
Hitori-gurashi o suru.
'Dōkyo' literally means 'same residence,' implying at least two people. You cannot live 'together' with yourself.
-
Using the particle 'ni' for the person.
→
Haha 'to' dōkyo suru.
The particle 'to' means 'with' in this context. 'Ni' would imply you are living 'into' or 'at' your mother, which is incorrect.
-
Using 'dōsei' for family members.
→
Ryōshin to 'dōkyo' suru.
'Dōsei' is specifically for romantic, unmarried partners. Using it for parents is very awkward and suggests an inappropriate relationship.
-
Saying 'Tokyo ni dōkyo suru'.
→
Tokyo ni 'sumu'.
'Dōkyo' focuses on the people you share a home with, not the geographical location. Use 'sumu' for cities or countries.
-
Confusing 'dōkyo' with 'dōseki'.
→
Meeting ni 'dōseki' suru.
'Dōseki' is for sharing a seat or being at a meeting. 'Dōkyo' is for sharing a home. They are completely different actions.
Tips
Master the Particle
Always remember the particle 'と' (to). It's the bridge that connects you to your cohabitant. Without it, the sentence doesn't work. Think of 'to' as 'together with'.
The 'Ie' System
Understand that 'dōkyo' with parents is a traditional expectation in Japan. Even if it's less common now, it still carries a sense of family duty and caregiving that is stronger than in many Western cultures.
Dōkyo vs. Sumu
Use 'sumu' for the place (Tokyo ni sumu) and 'dōkyo' for the person (Haha to dōkyo suru). Mixing them up is a very common beginner mistake.
Setting Boundaries
In Japan, 'dōkyo' often leads to discussions about 'privacy'. If you're discussing living with in-laws, words like 'puraibashii' (privacy) and 'madori' (room layout) are often used alongside 'dōkyo'.
Official Forms
When you see '同居人' (dōkyonin) on a form, it's asking for anyone living in your house who isn't you. This is common for insurance, taxes, and apartment contracts.
Formality Check
If you're talking to a close friend about moving in with a partner, use 'issho ni kurasu'. It sounds warmer and more romantic than the slightly clinical 'dōkyo suru'.
Kanji Breakdown
同 (Same) + 居 (Reside). If you're in the SAME place RESIDING, you're 同居-ing. Simple as that!
Pitch Accent
The word 'dōkyo' has a drop in pitch after the 'dō'. Try to say it with a high 'dō' and a lower 'kyo'. This makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Context Clues
If you hear 'dōkyo' in a medical context, it's usually about whether an elderly patient has someone at home to help them. This is a very common use in Japanese healthcare.
Apartment Hunting
When looking at Japanese apartment ads, '二人同居可' (futari dōkyo ka) is a vital phrase. It means the landlord allows two people to live in that unit. Many 'one-room' apartments forbid it!
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'DO' (same) and 'KYO' (Tokyo). Imagine everyone in the 'same' house in 'Tokyo' is trying to 'dōkyo suru' (live together).
Visual Association
Picture two people holding a single roof over their heads. The roof is the 'same' (同) and they are 'residing' (居) under it.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to write three sentences: one about living with a pet, one about living with a friend, and one about living with a famous person. Use the particle 'to' correctly each time.
Word Origin
The word is composed of two Sinitic (Chinese-derived) characters that were brought into the Japanese language over a thousand years ago. The 'suru' part is the native Japanese helper verb added to nouns to turn them into actions.
Original meaning: Living in the same place.
Sino-Japanese (Kango)Cultural Context
Be careful when asking people about 'dōkyo'. Some may feel pressured by family obligations or embarrassed about financial dependency.
In English, 'living together' often implies a romantic relationship. In Japanese, 'dōkyo' is broader and very often refers to living with parents or relatives.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Family Planning
- 親と同居する
- 二世帯住宅
- 介護のための同居
- 同居のメリット
Real Estate
- 二人同居可
- 同居人の登録
- 無断同居
- 同居禁止
Romance
- 結婚を前提に同居
- 同居生活のルール
- 試しに同居する
- 同居を解消
Official Forms
- 同居家族の氏名
- 同居の有無
- 同居親族
- 住民票の同居人
Social Issues
- 孤独死と同居
- 多世代同居
- 経済的理由での同居
- 同居のストレス管理
Conversation Starters
"将来、ご両親と同居する予定はありますか? (Do you plan to live with your parents in the future?)"
"友達と同居した経験はありますか? (Have you ever had the experience of living with a friend?)"
"同居生活で一番大切だと思うルールは何ですか? (What do you think is the most important rule for living together?)"
"一人暮らしと同居、どちらが好きですか? (Which do you like better, living alone or living together with someone?)"
"もし好きな有名人と同居できるなら、誰を選びますか? (If you could live with a famous person you like, who would you choose?)"
Journal Prompts
同居することのメリットとデメリットについて、あなたの考えを書いてください。 (Write your thoughts on the pros and cons of living together.)
もし新しい同居人が明日から来るなら、どんな準備をしますか? (If a new cohabitant were coming tomorrow, what preparations would you make?)
「理想の同居生活」について詳しく説明してください。 (Please explain in detail about your 'ideal shared life'.)
家族と同居している(またはしていた)時の面白いエピソードを書いてください。 (Write an interesting episode from when you are (or were) living with your family.)
なぜ最近の若者は親と同居し続けるのだと思いますか? (Why do you think recent young people continue to live with their parents?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, you can! While it's primarily for humans, using 'dōkyo' for pets is common when you want to emphasize that the pet is a member of the household. For example: 'Inu to dōkyo shite imasu.' It sounds a bit more formal or respectful than just saying you 'keep' a dog.
Yes, it can be. However, young people today often use the English loanword 'ruumu shea' (room share) or say 'issho ni sunderu.' 'Dōkyo' might sound a bit formal for a casual roommate situation, but legally, you are indeed 'dōkyonin'.
'Dōkyo' is a broad term for anyone living together (family, friends, etc.). 'Dōsei' is specifically for unmarried romantic partners. If you live with your parents, never use 'dōsei' as it implies a romantic relationship!
You actually can't. 'Dōkyo' requires at least two people. To say you live alone, use 'hitori-gurashi o shite imasu' or the formal 'dokkyo' (though 'dokkyo' is mostly for the elderly in social work contexts).
It might be a bit heavy. Asking 'Dōkyo desu ka?' (Do you live with your family?) is a common question in Japan, but using 'issho ni sunderu' is more casual and less like a government interrogation.
It's a 'two-generation house.' It's a house built specifically for 'dōkyo' between parents and their adult children's family. They often have separate entrances or kitchens to maintain privacy while living together.
No. In fact, if you are married, people usually just say you are 'married.' 'Dōkyo' is often used to specify that you live with *other* people besides just your spouse, like your parents or in-laws.
You could, but 'kyōdō seikatsu' (communal living) or 'ryou ni sunderu' (living in a dorm) is much more common. 'Dōkyo' usually implies a more private, domestic setting like a house or apartment.
It means 'living together allowed.' This usually indicates that the apartment is suitable for couples or roommates, as many small apartments in Japan are strictly for single occupants only.
It's a suru-verb, so the negative is 'dōkyo shinai' (informal) or 'dōkyo shimasen' (polite). To say you 'aren't living together' (state), use 'dōkyo shite inai' or 'dōkyo shite imasen'.
Test Yourself 200 questions
Write a sentence about living with your parents.
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Write a sentence about wanting to live with a friend.
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Write a sentence using 'dōkyo shite iru' to modify a person.
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Explain one benefit of living with family in Japanese.
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Use 'koto ni natta' to say you decided to live together.
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Write a sentence about why someone might stop living together.
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Describe a 'nisedai juutaku' in one sentence.
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Write a formal sentence about cohabitants for a form.
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Write a sentence about living with a pet using 'dōkyo'.
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Use 'bekkyo' and 'dōkyo' in the same sentence.
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Write about the challenges of living with strangers.
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Write a sentence about tax and cohabitation.
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Use 'dōsei' correctly in a sentence.
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Write a sentence about nursing care and living together.
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Write a sentence using 'aka no tanin'.
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Describe your ideal living situation using 'dōkyo'.
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Write a sentence about apartment rules and cohabitation.
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Write a sentence about the increase of young people living with parents.
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Use 'yamu o ezu' with 'dōkyo'.
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Write a short paragraph (2-3 sentences) about your current living situation.
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Say 'I live with my family' in polite Japanese.
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Say 'I want to live with my friend' in casual Japanese.
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Ask someone 'Do you live with your parents?' politely.
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Say 'It was decided that I will live with my girlfriend.'
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Explain 'Living with family is cheap' in Japanese.
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Say 'I stopped living with my roommate.'
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Ask 'Is two-person cohabitation allowed in this apartment?'
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Say 'I'm looking for a house to live with my grandmother.'
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Say 'Living together is stressful sometimes.'
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Say 'I live with two cats.'
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Discuss the pros of 'dōkyo' (short speech).
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Discuss the cons of 'dōkyo' (short speech).
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Say 'I value privacy, so I live alone.'
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Say 'Please write the names of your co-residents.'
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Say 'We share the chores.'
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Ask 'Why did you choose to live together?'
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Say 'I'm currently living with my fiancé.'
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Say 'Strangers are living together in the share house.'
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Say 'I'm moving in with my parents to help them.'
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Say 'Happy shared life!'
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Transcription: 'Kanojo to dōkyo shite imasu.'
Transcription: 'Ryōshin to dōkyo suru tsumori desu.'
Transcription: 'Dōkyo o kaishou shimashita.'
Transcription: 'Dōkyonin wa imasen.'
Transcription: 'Futari dōkyo ka no bukken desu.'
Transcription: 'Nisedai juutaku o tatemashita.'
Transcription: 'Dōkyo no stress ga tamaru.'
Transcription: 'Inu to dōkyo shite mo ii desu ka?'
Transcription: 'Kekkon o zentei ni dōkyo suru.'
Transcription: 'Dōkyonin no shoumei ga hitsuyou desu.'
Transcription: 'Issho ni dōkyo shimasen ka?'
Transcription: 'Dōkyo suru koto ni narimashita.'
Transcription: 'Gishin to dōkyo suru no wa ki o tsukau.'
Transcription: 'Dōkyo kazoku zen'in no namae.'
Transcription: 'Hitori-gurashi yori dōkyo ga ii.'
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Summary
The verb 同居する (dōkyo suru) is your go-to word for 'living together' in a shared household. Whether you're moving in with a partner or supporting elderly parents, this word covers the formal and social aspects of cohabitation. Example: 'Ryōshin to dōkyo shite imasu' (I live with my parents).
- 同居する (dōkyo suru) means to live together in the same house or apartment with others.
- It is a formal suru-verb often used for family members, partners, or roommates in official contexts.
- Always use the particle 'と' (to) to indicate the person you are living with.
- It differs from '住む' (sumu) by emphasizing the shared relationship rather than just the location.
Master the Particle
Always remember the particle 'と' (to). It's the bridge that connects you to your cohabitant. Without it, the sentence doesn't work. Think of 'to' as 'together with'.
The 'Ie' System
Understand that 'dōkyo' with parents is a traditional expectation in Japan. Even if it's less common now, it still carries a sense of family duty and caregiving that is stronger than in many Western cultures.
Dōkyo vs. Sumu
Use 'sumu' for the place (Tokyo ni sumu) and 'dōkyo' for the person (Haha to dōkyo suru). Mixing them up is a very common beginner mistake.
Setting Boundaries
In Japan, 'dōkyo' often leads to discussions about 'privacy'. If you're discussing living with in-laws, words like 'puraibashii' (privacy) and 'madori' (room layout) are often used alongside 'dōkyo'.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More family words
還暦
B160th birthday (celebration of completing a 60-year cycle).
〜くらい
B1About; approximately; to the extent that.
認め合う
B1To recognize each other's worth; to acknowledge.
知人
B1Acquaintance.
顔見知り
A2Acquaintance; someone you know by sight.
甘える
B1To be spoiled, to fawn; to behave like a pampered child.
活発な
B1Active; lively; vigorous.
思春期
B1Adolescence; the period of transition from childhood to adulthood.
養子
B1Adopted child; a child taken into one's family by legal means.
養親
B2Adoptive parent.