同居

• Reading: どうきょ
• Romaji: doukyo
• Kanji breakdown: 同 (dou) — same, together; 居 (kyo/i) — reside, sit, be present
• Pronunciation: /doː.kʲo/

Meaning

Living together; cohabitation. Sharing a residence with someone.

A noun and suru-verb (intransitive) covering various living arrangements: couples living together before marriage, adult children living with parents, or multigenerational households. In Japanese society, 同居 with in-laws (義理の親との同居) has long been a significant cultural topic. Can also be used figuratively for coexistence of different things in one space.

Examples

1. 結婚前に同居するカップルが増えている。 More and more couples are living together before getting married.
2. 祖父母と同居していた頃が懐かしい。 I miss the days when I lived with my grandparents.
3. 友人とルームシェアで同居を始めた。 I started living with a friend as roommates.

Usage Guide

Context: family, relationships, housing

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 同 (dou, same/together) + 居 (kyo, reside/dwelling). Literally 'residing together' — sharing the same living space.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal