Translation guide
Expresses that two or more actions, events, or processes occur at the same time or in a coordinated, simultaneous manner.
Describing two or more things happening at exactly the same time.
The most common and versatile way to say 'synchronously' or 'at the same time'. Used as an adverb.
二つのイベントが同時に起こった。
The two events occurred synchronously.
彼らは同時に話し始めた。
They started speaking at the same time.
Noun meaning 'synchronization'. Often used in technical contexts (computers, machinery, data). Can be used with する to mean 'synchronize'.
データの同期が完了しました。
Data synchronization is complete.
このアプリは自動で同期します。
This app synchronizes automatically.
Na-adjective meaning 'synchronous'. More formal and technical than 同時に. Often used in academic or engineering contexts.
同期的な通信プロトコルを使用する。
Use a synchronous communication protocol.
Loanword from English 'synchro'. Used in casual or specific contexts like swimming (synchronized swimming) or entertainment.
シンクロナイズドスイミングの演技は美しかった。
The synchronized swimming performance was beautiful.
Describing actions that are timed to occur together in a planned or rhythmic way, even if not exactly simultaneous.
Means 'in coordination with' or 'matching the timing of'. Used when actions are deliberately synchronized.
音楽に合わせて踊る。
Dance in sync with the music.
彼の動きに合わせて歩いた。
I walked in sync with his movements.
Literally 'match the timing'. Used when people coordinate their timing for an action.
みんなでタイミングを合わせてジャンプした。
We all jumped in sync.
Specifically for computing, telecommunications, or electronics where operations are clock-synchronized or happen in real time.
Means 'synchronous type' or 'synchronous system'. Used in engineering to describe circuits, transmission, etc.
同期式デジタル回路を設計する。
Design a synchronous digital circuit.
Loanword meaning 'real-time'. Often used for synchronous communication like chat or video calls.
リアルタイムでデータを共有する。
Share data in real time.
While 同期的 is a direct translation, it sounds stiff and technical. In everyday conversation, use 同時に or 合わせて instead.
同時に simply means 'at the same time' (simultaneous occurrence). 合わせて implies intentional coordination or matching a rhythm.
雷と同時に雨が降り出した。
It started raining at the same time as the thunder. (no coordination)
手拍子に合わせて歌う。
Sing in sync with the clapping. (intentional coordination)