Translation guide
How to express the idea of spending time with someone, accompanying them, or being in a romantic relationship, depending on the context.
To be with someone so they are not alone, often in a social or supportive way.
The most natural and common way to say 'be with someone' or 'keep someone company' in a general sense.
ちょっと一緒にいてくれない？
Could you keep me company for a bit?
He's always alone, so I keep him company sometimes.
Means to accompany or go along with someone, often for a specific activity. Can also mean dating, so context is important.
Can also mean 'date' or 'go out with' romantically. Use with care.
買い物に付き合ってくれる？
Will you keep me company while I shop?
彼は私の散歩に付き合ってくれた。
He kept me company on my walk.
A humble and formal way to say 'accompany' someone of higher status. Used in business or very polite contexts.
社長のお供をして、会議に出席しました。
I accompanied the company president and attended the meeting.
To be dating or in a romantic partnership with someone.
The standard way to say 'are dating' or 'are in a relationship'. The continuous form indicates an ongoing romantic involvement.
彼女と付き合っている。
I'm keeping company with her. / I'm dating her.
あの二人は付き合っているの？
Are those two keeping company? / Are they dating?
A more formal term for 'dating' or 'being in a relationship', often used in official contexts or when discussing marriage prospects.
彼とは真剣に交際しています。
I'm seriously keeping company with him. / We are in a serious relationship.
Explicitly states 'dating as lovers', useful when clarifying the nature of the relationship.
友達じゃなくて、恋人として付き合いたい。
I don't want to just keep company as friends; I want to date you.
To go with someone to a specific location or function.
A formal and business-like term for accompanying someone, often used in professional settings.
部長に同行して、取引先を訪問した。
I kept company with the department head and visited the client.
A casual and common way to say 'go together with someone'.
病院に一緒に行ってあげるよ。
I'll keep you company to the hospital.
To stay with someone while they engage in an activity, often to provide comfort or assistance.
Literally 'be by one's side', this conveys emotional support and presence.
怖いなら、そばにいてあげる。
If you're scared, I'll keep you company.
Specifically means 'to be someone's conversation partner', keeping them company through talking.
祖母の話し相手になってくれる？
Will you keep my grandmother company (by talking with her)?
The English phrase 'keep company' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it word-for-word (e.g., 会社を保つ) would be nonsensical. Always choose an expression based on the intended meaning: accompaniment, dating, or emotional support.
付き合う often implies a specific activity or purpose, and can mean dating. 一緒にいる is more about simply being together without a specific goal. Use 一緒にいる for general companionship.
ただ一緒にいたいだけ。
I just want to keep you company. / I just want to be with you.
買い物に付き合ってよ。
Come keep me company while I shop.