Translation guide
This entry covers how to express the idea of people or groups collaborating, cooperating, or functioning jointly in Japanese. It includes common verbs, nouns, and set phrases, organized by the nuance of the collaboration.
To work jointly with others toward a shared goal, often in a professional or organized setting.
The most common and neutral way to say 'cooperate' or 'work together'. Used in business, school, and everyday contexts.
Please cooperate on this project.
They worked together to solve the problem.
Literally 'do jointly'. Emphasizes shared effort or joint execution. Often used for projects, research, or events.
We are conducting this research jointly with the university.
To link up or coordinate efforts, often between organizations or departments. Slightly more formal than 協力する.
Each department is working together to advance the work.
Literally 'combine forces'. A slightly more emotive or motivational way to say 'work together', often used in speeches or team-building.
Let's all work together and do our best.
To be engaged in work or activity in the same physical or virtual space, not necessarily on the same task.
To describe parts, systems, or elements that operate jointly to produce an effect.
To work in conjunction, interlock, or operate together. Used for machines, systems, or abstract elements.
These parts work together (in conjunction).
A formal/literary pattern meaning 'combined with' or 'working together with'. Often used as AとBが相まって.
The state or concept of working together, often as a desirable quality.
協力する focuses on cooperating toward a goal, while 一緒に働く simply means sharing a workplace or being colleagues. Use 協力する when you need someone's active help or collaboration.
Please cooperate to solve this problem.
I've been working together with him for 5 years.
For machines or systems, do not use 一緒に働く. Use 連動する or 組み合わさって動く instead.
These gears work together.
I am honored to work together with him.
Hard work and talent worked together to bring success.
Loanword from English. Used commonly in sports and business to mean good teamwork.
This team has good teamwork.
This is a piece we completed through working together.