共に

• Reading: ともに
• Romaji: tomoni
• Kanji breakdown: 共 (kyou/tomo) — together, both, all
• Pronunciation: /to.mo.ni/

Meaning

Together with; along with; both. Indicates shared action or simultaneous occurrence.

A formal adverb with three main uses: (1) doing something together — 友人と共に旅をする (travel with a friend), (2) 'as well as' — 知識と共に経験も必要だ (experience as well as knowledge is needed), (3) simultaneous change — 年齢と共に体力が落ちる (physical strength declines with age). More literary than 一緒に (issho ni).

Examples

1. 仲間と共にこのプロジェクトを成功させたい。 I want to make this project a success together with my teammates.
2. 時代と共に人々の価値観も変わっていく。 People's values change along with the times.
3. 喜びも悲しみも共に分かち合える友がいる。 I have friends with whom I can share both joy and sorrow.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, speeches, literature

Tone: literary

Origin & History

From 共 (tomo/kyou, together/both) with the adverbial particle に. The kanji 共 depicts two hands clasped together, symbolising cooperation and togetherness.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal