Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Together" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "together", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
一緒に
いっしょに (isshoni)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
共々
ともども (tomodomo)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "together" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 一緒に and 共々.
In Japanese, 一緒に (いっしょに (isshoni)) is typically associated with "together" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used when two or more people or things do something collaboratively or simultaneously. It is an adverb and often precedes a verb of action..
On the other hand, 共々 (ともども (tomodomo)) maps to "together, with, along with" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents More formal or literary than 「一緒に. A literal translation of "together" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "一緒に"
友達と一緒にお昼ご飯を食べました。
I ate lunch with my friend.
Bilingual Context for "共々"
家族共々、お祝いの席に参加しました。
My whole family and I attended the celebration.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "友達と ＿＿＿ お昼ご飯を食べました。" (Meaning: "I ate lunch with my friend.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "一緒に" fits here because it means "together" in the context of: "I ate lunch with my friend.". "共々" represents "together, with, along with".