Translation guide
The English word 'together' covers several distinct meanings: joint action, being in the same place, combining things, and more. Japanese uses different words and patterns for each. This guide helps you choose the right one.
Expressing that two or more people do an action together, as a group.
The most common and versatile way to say 'together' for joint actions. Can be used with any verb.
Would you like to watch a movie together?
Yesterday, I studied together with a friend.
A more formal or literary version of 'together'. Often used in writing, speeches, or to express shared experience.
To share hardships together.
Attach 合う to the stem of a verb to mean 'do mutually' or 'together'. Emphasizes reciprocal action.
Helping each other (together) is important.
Let's talk it over together.
Expressing that people or things are physically together, or that someone goes with someone else.
Expressing that two or more things are combined, mixed, or added together.
Used when combining numbers, amounts, or items. Often used with verbs like する or なる.
How much is it all together?
Can also mean 'together' in the sense of mixing or putting things in the same place.
Means 'collectively' or 'all at once'. Used when gathering things or doing something in a batch.
Please submit the documents together (as a batch).
Expressing a total sum or overall amount.
Expressing that two events happen at the same time.
Expressing that two people are in a romantic relationship or are a couple.
一緒に is the everyday word for 'together'. 共に is more formal and often used in writing or solemn contexts. For casual speech, stick with 一緒に.
In English, 'together' is often used where Japanese would use a different structure, like the verb ending 合う for mutual actions, or simply a plural subject. Avoid forcing 一緒に into every sentence.
Let's go together to the station.
Let's combine our efforts and do our best.
砂糖と塩を一緒に入れないで。
Don't put sugar and salt in together.
合わせて5000円になります。
That comes to 5000 yen together.
雷と雨が一緒に来た。
Thunder and rain came together.