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とともに

B1 noun #1,500 most common 6 min read

とともに

Top 1,500

At the A1 level, you usually learn 'と一緒に' (to issho ni) to say 'with.' You might not see 'とともに' often yet. If you do, think of it as a very polite way to say 'with.' For example, 'With my family' (kazoku to tomo ni). It is best to focus on 'と一緒に' for now, but keep 'とともに' in the back of your mind as a 'fancy' version of 'with.' It helps you understand formal announcements or very polite greetings in Japanese culture.

At the A2 level, you start to encounter more formal writing. You might see 'とともに' in simple news articles or formal letters. It still mostly means 'together with.' You should notice that it doesn't use the particle 'ni' after the person (like 'kazoku to issho ni' vs 'kazoku to tomo ni'). It's a good time to start recognizing it in reading, even if you don't use it in speaking yet. It makes your reading comprehension much smoother when looking at public signs or formal invitations.

At the B1 level, 'とともに' becomes a key grammar point. You learn that it doesn't just mean 'with a person,' but also 'at the same time' or 'as something changes.' For example, 'As technology improves, life changes.' This is a very common way to express cause-and-effect or simultaneous events in N3-level Japanese. You should start using it in your essays to sound more professional and to connect your ideas more elegantly than just using 'and' or 'then.'

At the B2 level (N2), you must master the different nuances of 'とともに.' You need to distinguish it from 'ni tsurete' (proportional change) and 'to douji ni' (exact same time). You will also see it used with adjectives and 'de aru' (e.g., 'He is a doctor as well as a researcher'). This 'as well as' function is vital for academic writing and formal presentations. You should be able to use it naturally in written reports to describe complex relationships between two different facts or trends.

At the C1 level, 'とともに' is used to create sophisticated literary or rhetorical effects. You will find it in high-level literature, philosophical texts, and political speeches. It is used to link abstract concepts—like 'the passage of time along with the loss of memory.' At this level, you should appreciate the rhythmic quality it brings to a sentence. You are expected to use it in nuanced ways to describe subtle, multi-layered situations where multiple things are happening or are true at once.

At the C2 level, 'とともに' is a tool for precision and stylistic flair. You understand its historical roots and how it differs from archaic forms. You can use it to weave complex arguments where simultaneous developments are analyzed. Whether you are writing a legal document, a scientific thesis, or a novel, 'とともに' allows you to express the interconnectedness of events and attributes with the highest level of Japanese linguistic maturity. It is no longer just a grammar rule, but a part of your stylistic repertoire.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

とともに in 30 Seconds

A formal way to say 'together with' or 'along with' in Japanese writing.
Indicates that two actions or states occur at the exact same time.
Describes proportional changes, where one thing evolves as another thing does.
Can link two qualities of a person or object, meaning 'as well as'.

The expression とともに (To Tomo Ni) is a versatile Japanese grammatical structure that primarily translates to 'together with,' 'along with,' or 'at the same time as.' While it is often categorized as a particle or a conjunction in modern linguistics, its roots lie in the noun tomo (伴), meaning companion or accompaniment. Understanding this word requires looking at its three distinct functional layers: physical accompaniment, simultaneous occurrence, and proportional change.

Primary Function: Accompaniment: In its most literal sense, it indicates doing something with another person or entity. It is more formal than the standard 'to issho ni' (と一緒に) and is frequently found in literature, formal speeches, and written reports.

家族とともに、新しい生活を始めました。
I started a new life together with my family.

Secondary Function: Simultaneity: When attached to verbs, it indicates that two actions happen exactly at the same time. This is often used to describe natural phenomena or mechanical processes where one action triggers or coincides perfectly with another.

ベルが鳴るとともに、ドアが開いた。
As soon as the bell rang, the door opened.

Tertiary Function: Proportional Change: Similar to 'ni tsurete,' it can describe how one change leads to another. However, 'とともに' feels more formal and implies a more direct, balanced relationship between the two changes.

経済の発展とともに、人々の生活も豊かになった。
Along with economic development, people's lives became more affluent.

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

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.

Using とともに correctly requires paying attention to the word class that precedes it. It can follow nouns, verbs, and adjectives, but the connection rules vary slightly depending on the intended meaning. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the grammatical structures.

1. Noun + とともに: This is the most common pattern. It can mean 'together with [person/thing]' or 'along with [event/change].' No extra particles are needed between the noun and 'とともに'.

希望とともに、彼は旅に出た。
He set out on a journey with hope.

2. Verb (Dictionary Form) + とともに: When used with a verb, it indicates that as soon as the first action happens, the second one occurs. It implies a strong connection or simultaneity. Note: Only the dictionary form is used here.

卒業するとともに、彼は帰国した。
Upon graduating, he returned to his home country.

3. Adjectives + とともに: For い-adjectives, use the dictionary form. For な-adjectives, you must use 'である' before 'とともに'. This usage typically means 'A as well as B' (expressing two qualities of the same subject).

この仕事は、責任が重いとともに、やりがいもある。
This job is rewarding as well as having heavy responsibility.

彼女は美形であるとともに、非常に知的だ。
She is beautiful as well as being extremely intelligent.

Because とともに carries a formal and literary nuance, its natural habitat is in contexts that require precision, elegance, or a sense of gravity. You will encounter it frequently in the following scenarios:

News and Documentaries: Reporters use it to link social changes or to describe simultaneous events in a professional manner. For example, 'As the population ages, the demand for healthcare increases.'

情報化社会の進展とともに、プライバシーの問題が深刻化している。
Along with the progress of the information society, privacy issues are becoming more serious.

Literature and Poetry: Writers use 'とともに' to create a rhythmic flow and to emphasize the emotional or atmospheric connection between two things. It evokes a sense of harmony or inevitable progression.

夕日の沈むとともに、街に灯りがともった。
As the sun set, the lights in the city flickered on.

Academic Writing and Formal Speeches: In research papers or graduation speeches, it is used to list multiple attributes or to show correlations between variables. It sounds much more sophisticated than using 'and' (と) or 'also' (も).

本研究は、理論の構築とともに、実証的な分析を行うものである。
This research performs empirical analysis along with the construction of theory.

While とともに is a powerful tool, learners often stumble over its nuances compared to similar expressions. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

Mistake 1: Using it for Casual Socializing: Incorrect: 友達とともに映画に行った (Tomodachi to tomo ni eiga ni itta). While grammatically correct, it sounds like you're writing a formal biography of your trip to the cinema. Use 'と一緒に' (to issho ni) for daily life.

Mistake 2: Confusing with 'につれて' (Ni Tsurete): 'Ni tsurete' focuses on the process of change (as A changes, B changes gradually). 'とともに' focuses on the simultaneous state or the fact that they happen together. 'とともに' can also mean 'and also,' which 'ni tsurete' cannot.

❌ 彼は先生であるにつれて、作家だ。
✅ 彼は先生であるとともに、作家でもある。
He is a teacher as well as an author.

Mistake 3: Incorrect Verb Forms: Learners sometimes try to use the past tense or the -te form before 'とともに'. Remember: only the dictionary form (plain present) is used for verbs.

❌ 卒業したとともに...
✅ 卒業するとともに...
As soon as (I) graduate...

Japanese has several ways to express 'together' or 'along with.' Choosing the right one depends on the context and the level of formality.

とともに vs. と一緒に (To Issho Ni): 'と一緒に' is the standard, everyday way to say 'with.' It is used for people and physical objects. 'とともに' is the formal, literary version and can also mean 'at the same time as' or 'as well as.'

とともに vs. につれて (Ni Tsurete): 'につれて' is used specifically for proportional changes (As A happens, B happens). 'とともに' can also do this, but it's broader—it can also mean 'A and B are both true' or 'A and B happened at the same moment.'

とともに vs. と同時に (To Douji Ni): 'と同時に' emphasizes the 'exact same second' aspect. It is more clinical and precise. 'とともに' feels more like a natural flow or a combined state.

地震とともに、停電が起きた。
Along with the earthquake, a power outage occurred. (Natural flow)

ボタンを押すと同時に、爆発した。
At the exact same time the button was pressed, it exploded. (Precise timing)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

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 with my friends.

Noun + とともに

先生とともに歩きます。

I walk with my teacher.

Noun + とともに

犬とともに走ります。

I run with my dog.

Noun + とともに

母とともに買い物に行きました。

I went shopping with my mother.

Noun + とともに

彼とともに歌います。

I sing with him.

Noun + とともに

本とともに過ごす時間。

Time spent with books.

Noun + とともに

自然とともに生きる。

Living with nature.

Noun + とともに

お正月は家族とともに過ごします。

I spend New Year's with my family.

Formal usage of 'with'

新しい年とともに、新しい目標を立てた。

Along with the new year, I set new goals.

Event + とともに

卒業とともに、引っ越しをしました。

Along with graduation, I moved.

Noun + とともに

彼は怒るとともに、泣き出した。

As he got angry, he also started to cry.

Verb + とともに (Simultaneous)

朝日の出とともに、出発した。

We departed with the sunrise.

Noun + とともに

音楽とともに、ダンスを踊る。

Dancing along with the music.

Noun + とともに

手紙とともに、写真を送った。

I sent a photo along with the letter.

Noun + とともに

雨とともに、風も強くなった。

Along with the rain, the wind also became stronger.

Noun + とともに

技術の進歩とともに、生活が便利になった。

Along with technological progress, life has become convenient.

Proportional change

ベルが鳴るとともに、学生たちは教室を出た。

As soon as the bell rang, the students left the classroom.

Verb dictionary form + とともに

彼は有名な作家であるとともに、登山家でもある。

He is a famous author as well as a mountain climber.

Noun + であるとともに

人口の減少とともに、労働力が不足している。

Along with the decrease in population, there is a labor shortage.

Social trend usage

春の訪れとともに、桜が咲き始めた。

With the arrival of spring, cherry blossoms began to bloom.

Natural phenomenon

この薬は効果があるとともに、副作用もある。

This medicine is effective as well as having side effects.

Expressing two sides

経済の成長とともに、物価も上がっている。

Along with economic growth, prices are also rising.

Economic context

子供の成長とともに、親の責任も重くなる。

As a child grows, the parents' responsibility also becomes heavier.

Proportional change

近代化とともに、多くの伝統が失われていった。

Along with modernization, many traditions were lost.

Historical change

彼は社長であるとともに、一人の父親でもある。

He is the company president as well as a father.

Dual roles

都市化が進むとともに、自然環境が破壊されている。

As urbanization progresses, the natural environment is being destroyed.

Verb + とともに (Process)

激しい痛みとともに、意識を失った。

Along with intense pain, I lost consciousness.

Simultaneous state

日本語の学習は楽しいとともに、非常に難しい。

Learning Japanese is fun as well as being extremely difficult.

Adjective + とともに

時代の変化とともに、人々の価値観も変わる。

Along with the changing times, people's values also change.

Sociological observation

合図とともに、一斉にスタートした。

With the signal, they all started at once.

Instantaneous action

この地域は美しいとともに、歴史的な魅力に溢れている。

This area is beautiful as well as overflowing with historical charm.

Describing qualities

グローバル化の波とともに、文化の均質化が進んでいる。

Along with the wave of globalization, cultural homogenization is progressing.

Abstract social analysis

科学の発展は人類に恩恵をもたらすとともに、新たな脅威も生み出した。

The development of science brought benefits to humanity as well as creating new threats.

Complex dualities

夜の帳が下りるとともに、森は静寂に包まれた。

As the veil of night fell, the forest was wrapped in silence.

Literary/Poetic usage

民主主義の確立とともに、個人の自由が尊重されるようになった。

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

Political/Historical context

情報の氾濫とともに、真実を見極めることが困難になっている。

Along with the flood of information, it is becoming difficult to discern the truth.

Contemporary critique

彼の音楽は独創的であるとともに、深い悲しみを湛えている。

His music is original as well as being filled with deep sadness.

Artistic description

少子高齢化の進展とともに、社会保障制度の再構築が急務となっている。

Along with the progress of the declining birthrate and aging population, restructuring the social security system has become an urgent task.

Formal policy discussion

宇宙の膨張とともに、銀河間の距離も広がっている。

Along with the expansion of the universe, the distance between galaxies is also increasing.

Scientific explanation

実存的危機の深化とともに、彼は自己の存在意義を問い直した。

Along with the deepening of his existential crisis, he re-examined the meaning of his own existence.

Philosophical discourse

帝国の崩壊とともに、長きにわたる平和の時代が終焉を迎えた。

With the collapse of the empire, a long era of peace came to an end.

Historiographical narrative

言語の変遷は、民族の移動や交流とともに歩んできた歴史そのものである。

The transition of language is history itself, having walked alongside the migration and exchange of peoples.

Linguistic/Anthropological analysis

美学的な洗練とともに、機能性を極限まで追求した建築デザイン。

Architectural design that pursues functionality to the limit along with aesthetic refinement.

Design/Art theory

意識の覚醒とともに、彼はそれまでの記憶が虚構であったことに気づいた。

Along with the awakening of his consciousness, he realized that his memories until then had been a fiction.

Narrative complexity

資本の論理が支配を強めるとともに、倫理的な価値観が周縁化されていく。

As the logic of capital strengthens its dominance, ethical values are being marginalized.

Socio-economic critique

生命の誕生とともに、宇宙には意味という名の光が灯った。

With the birth of life, a light called 'meaning' was lit in the universe.

Metaphysical expression

法治国家の成熟とともに、市民の権利意識はより高度な次元へと移行した。

Along with the maturation of the constitutional state, the rights consciousness of citizens shifted to a higher dimension.

Legal/Political philosophy

Common Collocations

家族とともに

時代の変化とともに

技術の進歩とともに

日の出とともに

喜びとともに

成長とともに

普及とともに

誕生とともに

終了とともに

理解とともに

Common Phrases

時とともに

社会の発展とともに

春の訪れとともに

合図とともに

感謝の気持ちとともに

不安とともに

希望とともに

伝統とともに

自然とともに

平和とともに

Often Confused With

とともに vs と一緒に

Casual vs Formal.

とともに vs につれて

Process of change vs Simultaneous state.

とともに vs と同時に

Clinical timing vs Natural flow.

Idioms & Expressions

Easily Confused

とともに vs

Sentence Patterns

Word Family

How to Use It

addition

Means 'as well as' when linking attributes.

simultaneity

Emphasizes that two things happen at once.

accompaniment

Formal version of 'with'.

Common Mistakes

Using 'no' before 'とともに' (e.g., Kazoku no to tomo ni).
Using past tense before it (e.g., Itta to tomo ni).
Using it in casual chat with friends.
Confusing it with 'ni tsurete' for non-change verbs.
Forgetting 'de aru' for na-adjectives.

Tips

Noun Connection

Don't put 'no' or 'ni' between the noun and 'とともに'. Just say 'Noun + とともに'.

Formal Contexts

Use this in speeches, essays, and formal letters to elevate your Japanese level.

Connecting Ideas

Use it to show how two social trends are moving in the same direction.

News Vocabulary

When you see this in news, look for the two things that are happening at the same time.

Presentation Tool

In a presentation, use 'であるとともに' to list multiple benefits of a project.

JLPT N3/N2

This is a high-frequency grammar point. Make sure you know all three of its meanings.

Simultaneity

Remember it emphasizes that things happen 'in one go' or 'as a package'.

Literary Flair

In creative writing, use it to link nature and human emotions.

Vs. Issho ni

Always ask: 'Is this a formal situation?' If yes, use 'とともに'.

Verb Form

Always keep the verb in the dictionary form, regardless of the rest of the sentence.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Derived from the noun 'tomo' (companion) and the particle 'to' (with), followed by the particle 'ni' (at/in).

Cultural Context

Highly formal. Avoid in casual speech.

Common in novels to set the atmosphere.

Used in reports to show trends.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"時代の変化とともに、何が変わったと思いますか？"

"技術の進歩とともに、私たちの生活はどうなりましたか？"

"家族とともに過ごす時間は大切ですか？"

"春の訪れとともに、何をしたいですか？"

"仕事とともに、趣味も大切にしていますか？"

Journal Prompts

最近、自分の成長とともに感じた変化について書いてください。

新しい季節の訪れとともに始めたいことは何ですか？

尊敬する人とともに成し遂げたい目標は何ですか？

社会の変化とともに失われてほしくないものは何ですか？

読書とともに過ごす休日の魅力について書いてください。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It's not recommended. It sounds too stiff and formal for casual conversation. Use 'と一緒に' instead.

'とともに' can mean 'as well as' or 'together with a person,' while 'につれて' only describes proportional changes.

No, the verb before 'とともに' is always in the dictionary form. The tense of the whole sentence is determined by the final verb.

Yes, but you must add 'である' before 'とともに' (e.g., 'benri de aru to tomo ni').

Yes, it is a common grammar point for the N3 and N2 levels.

Not directly, but it implies a strong link between two events, which can sometimes feel like cause-and-effect.

Yes, it is very common in formal business communication to describe simultaneous actions or related points.

Yes, use the dictionary form (e.g., 'tsuyoi to tomo ni').

It is usually written in hiragana, but the kanji is '共' or '伴'.

No, it must follow a noun, verb, or adjective.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'とともに' to say 'Along with the development of technology, life became convenient.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.