～と共に

• Reading: とともに
• Romaji: to tomo ni
• Formation: Verb dictionary form + と共に / Noun + と共に
• Kanji breakdown: 共: together, both — indicates things happening in common or simultaneously

Meaning

Expresses that two things happen simultaneously, that something changes along with something else, or that A and B share a common quality or action. Equivalent to 'together with,' 'along with,' or 'as.'

This versatile pattern has three main uses: (1) 'together with' someone or something, indicating shared action; (2) 'at the same time as,' describing simultaneous events; and (3) 'as' or 'along with,' describing correlated changes similar to につれて. The form とともに is also common in writing. Compared to と一緒に, which is casual and limited to 'together with' someone, と共に is more formal and covers a broader range of meanings including simultaneous change. In its 'along with change' meaning, it overlaps with につれて but carries a slightly more literary tone.

Examples

1. 社会の発展と共に、人々の価値観も多様化した。 Along with the development of society, people's values have also diversified.
2. 家族と共に過ごす時間を大切にしたい。 I want to cherish the time I spend with my family.
3. 春の訪れと共に、公園に花が咲き始めた。 With the arrival of spring, flowers began to bloom in the park.

Usage Guide

Context: written, formal speech, academic

Tone: literary

Do Say

• 経済成長と共に、環境への意識も高まった。
• 仲間と共にプロジェクトを完成させた。
• 年月が経つと共に、その記憶も薄れていった。

Don't Say

• 友達と共にラーメンを食べた。(Too formal for a casual activity — use と一緒に for everyday situations) → 友達と一緒にラーメンを食べた。
• 電気をつけると共に、テレビもつけた。(Using と共に for two unrelated sequential actions — it implies a meaningful connection or simultaneity) → 電気をつけて、テレビもつけた。

Origin & History

Composed of the particle と (with) and 共に (tomo ni, together). 共 means 'together' or 'in common,' creating a natural compound meaning 'together with.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal