～to Tomo ni: Together With / As

Learning objectives

Lesson goals: Learn to tomo ni for "together with," "as (something changes)," and "both... and."
Form and connection: [Verb辞书形/Noun] と共ともに
Nuance in real use: と共に is one of Japanese's most versatile connective expressions — it freely switches between "together," "simultaneously," and "accompanying" logical relationships. This versatility reflects the economy of Japanese expression.

Form and connection

[Verb辞书形/Noun] と共ともに

Core Explanation

Learn to tomo ni for "together with," "as (something changes)," and "both... and."

Cultural Note

と共に is one of Japanese's most versatile connective expressions — it freely switches between "together," "simultaneously," and "accompanying" logical relationships. This versatility reflects the economy of Japanese expression.

Practical examples

1. 家族かぞくと共ともに暮くらしている。

I live together with my family.

2. 年としを取とると共ともに、体力たいりょくが落おちる。

As you get older, your physical strength declines.

3. 彼かれは作家さっかであると共ともに画家がかでもある。

He is both a writer and a painter.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.

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[Verb辞书形/Noun] と共ともに

2. Explain the meaning of the first example.

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I live together with my family.

3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.

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彼かれは作家さっかであると共ともに画家がかでもある。 ([Verb辞书形/Noun] と共ともに)

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