共鳴

• Reading: きょうめい
• Romaji: kyoumei
• Kanji breakdown: 共 (kyō) — together, mutual; 鳴 (mei) — sound, ring, cry
• Pronunciation: /kjoː.meː/

Meaning

Resonance. A physical vibration phenomenon; also, sympathising deeply with an idea or feeling.

A suru-verb used both scientifically (acoustic/physical resonance) and figuratively (deeply agreeing with or being moved by someone's ideas or feelings). The figurative usage is very common — 共鳴する means to resonate with, to feel a deep connection to an idea or cause.

Examples

1. 彼の演説に多くの人が共鳴した。 Many people resonated with his speech.
2. 音叉を近づけると共鳴が起こる。 Resonance occurs when a tuning fork is brought close to another.
3. その作家の思想に共鳴して活動に参加した。 I resonated with the writer's ideas and joined the movement.

Usage Guide

Context: science, philosophy, social movements

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 共 (together, mutual) + 鳴 (sound, ring). Literally 'sounding together,' from the physical phenomenon of objects vibrating at the same frequency, extended to emotional and intellectual sympathy.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal