JLPT N36 min readUpdated May 17, 2026Grammar pattern

と共にto tomo ni“together with; at the same time as”

Use と共に(とともに) when you want to show accompaniment, simultaneous change, or addition.

Meaning
together with; at the same time as
Pattern
と共に
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JLPT grammar
JLPT
N3

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)

Noun / Verb dictionary form + と共に

Examples of the pattern:

  • 家族(かぞく)と共(とも)に
  • 成長(せいちょう)すると共(とも)に
  • 時代(じだい)と共(とも)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

家族(かぞく)と共(とも)に日本(にほん)へ来(き)ました。
I came to Japan together with my family.
accompaniment
年(とし)を取(と)ると共(とも)に、考(かんが)え方(かた)も変(か)わる。
As we get older, our way of thinking changes too.
simultaneous change
彼(かれ)は歌手(かしゅ)であると共(とも)に、俳優(はいゆう)でもある。
He is an actor as well as a singer.
addition
時代(じだい)と共(とも)に、言葉(ことば)も変化(へんか)する。
Language changes together with the times.
simultaneous change
喜(よろこ)びと共(とも)に、不安(ふあん)も感(かん)じた。
Along with joy, I also felt anxiety.
accompaniment

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.

と共に(とともに)
together with; at the same time as
Fits the specific N3 pattern and nuance explained above. More formal; can express simultaneous change or “as well as”.
家族(かぞく)と共(とも)に日本(にほん)へ来(き)ました。
I came to Japan together with my family.
vs
everyday “together”
More casual; does not express simultaneous change or “as well as”.

Quick contrast examples:

  • Target: 家族(かぞく)と共(とも)に日本(にほん)へ来(き)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)

❌
Using と共に(とともに) with the wrong verb form or attachment.
✅
Attach it to a noun or a verb in dictionary form.
❌
Confusing と共に(とともに) with 一緒に in formal or simultaneous-change contexts.
✅
Use と共に(とともに) for formal accompaniment or “as well as”; use 一緒に for casual “together”.
❌
Translating it too literally instead of reading the whole sentence.
✅
Read the surrounding context to decide whether it means “together with” or “at the same time as”.

Is と共に(とともに) on the JLPT?

N3

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)

1
Write one sentence using と共に(とともに).
production
2
Contrast と共に(とともに) with 一緒に in your own example.
comparison
3
Make a JLPT-style sentence where the context makes the meaning clear.
context

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.

1
Make sure you can form と共に(とともに) without looking at the pattern chart.
2
Compare it with 一緒に(いっしょに) and にしたがって. These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3
Write sentences about age, weather, prices, habits, or gradual progress; then check whether replacing と共に(とともに) with につれて changes the meaning.

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

What does と共に (to tomo ni) mean in Japanese?

と共に (to tomo ni) means “together with; at the same time as”. It is JLPT N3 grammar. Use と共に(とともに) when you want to show accompaniment, simultaneous change, or addition.

How do you form と共に (to tomo ni)?

Noun / Verb dictionary form + と共に

What is the difference between と共に and 一緒に?

と共に(とともに): together with; at the same time as. 一緒に: everyday “together”.

What is an example sentence with と共に (to tomo ni)?

家族と共に日本へ来ました。 — I came to Japan together with my family.

Practice this with Hane
Drill と共に until it’s automatic.

Short, focused iOS sessions for grammar, kanji, vocabulary, reading, and JLPT review. Use this lesson with the JLPT prep app and the Japanese learning app overview.

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