と共に（とともに） means together with; at the same time as. It is a JLPT N3 grammar pattern used to show accompaniment, simultaneous change, or addition.
This grammar point often appears in neutral Japanese. If you want to show accompaniment, simultaneous change, or addition, と共に（とともに） is a useful pattern to learn.
What does と共に（とともに） mean?
Use と共に（とともに） when you want to show accompaniment, simultaneous change, or addition.
Natural translations include:
- together with; at the same time as
- together with
- together with / at the same time as
How to form と共に（とともに）
Examples of the pattern:
- 家族と共に
- 成長すると共に
- 時代と共に
When is と共に（とともに） used?
Use と共に（とともに） in situations like:
- explaining grammar in context
- answering JLPT reading questions
- making natural Japanese sentences
Tone and register:
- neutral
- Common in JLPT reading, grammar questions, and natural Japanese sentences
と共に（とともに） example sentences
Nuance of と共に（とともに）
The key nuance is a natural way to express “together with; at the same time as” with the right context and tone.
This matters because と共に（とともに） does more than match a single English phrase. It shows how the speaker frames the condition, timing, example, role, intention, or contrast in the sentence.
For example:
- In context, it sounds natural when the surrounding sentence supports the nuance.
- Compared with 一緒に, it has a different focus and level of formality.
と共に（とともに） vs 一緒に
Both と共に（とともに） and 一緒に can appear in related situations, but they are different.
Quick contrast examples:
- Target: 家族と共に日本へ来ました。 — I came to Japan together with my family.
- Compare: Try replacing it with 一緒に and check whether the nuance still matches.
Common mistakes with と共に（とともに）
Is と共に（とともに） on the JLPT?
Yes. と共に（とともに） is commonly taught as JLPT N3 grammar.
That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences
Practice questions for と共に（とともに）
Learning path for と共に（とともに）
To learn と共に（とともに） efficiently, start with simple change expressions, then practice two linked clauses where one change naturally follows another.
Related grammar to review next
- 一緒に（いっしょに） — because it is the closest comparison used in this article.
- にしたがって — because it also describes change, degree, or development over time.
- につれて — because it also describes change, degree, or development over time.
- ば～ほど — because it also describes change, degree, or development over time.
Learn と共に（とともに） with Hane
If you want to review と共に（とともに） together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.
Browse more lessons here:
FAQ about と共に（とともに）
What does と共に（とともに） mean in Japanese?
と共に（とともに） means “together with; at the same time as” in Japanese. It is an N3 grammar point, and this lesson explains its formation, nuance, example sentences, common mistakes, and similar grammar.
Is と共に（とともに） on the JLPT?
と共に（とともに） is taught as N3 Japanese grammar in Hane's grammar lesson archive. Review it with examples, usage notes, and related N3 patterns.
How should I practice と共に（とともに）?
Read several example sentences, identify the form before and after と共に（とともに）, then make your own short sentences and compare it with nearby grammar points.