Japanese grammar
What does ～とともに mean? Japanese grammar N2
～とともに means together with…; at the same time as….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + とともに Vる + とともに |
| Romaji | totomoni |
| Meaning | together with…; at the same time as… |
Forming it
| With a person | 家族 → 家族とともに |
|---|---|
| Parallel change | 変わる → 季節が変わるとともに |
How to use it
Three meanings: doing something together with someone, two things happening simultaneously, and a proportional change. Written style.
- ① WITH SOMEONE: 「家族とともに新年を迎えた」 — the formal version of 「と一緒に」.
- ② SIMULTANEOUS: 「開会の宣言とともに、会場が静まった」.
- ③ PARALLEL CHANGE: 「年を取るとともに、体力が落ちてきた」 — as A changes, B changes along with it.
- Written style; conversation uses 「と一緒に」 or 「につれて」 (for meaning ③).
Examples
年を取るとともに、体力が落ちてきた。
As I grow older, my stamina has declined.
新製品の発売とともに、問い合わせが急増した。
Along with the new product launch, inquiries surged.
Keep in mind
- Formal written style.
- In meaning ③, both clauses must change gradually together.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong（友達に）今日は君とともに帰ろう。
Let's go home together today.
Correct（友達に）今日は君と一緒に帰ろう。
「とともに」 is written style; casual conversation uses 「と一緒に」.
-
Wrong彼が来るとともに、パーティーが始まりました。
Just as he arrived, the party began.
Correct彼が来ると同時に、パーティーが始まりました。
For two events coinciding at exactly the same moment, use 「と同時に」; 「とともに」 leans toward parallel progress/gradual change.
Exam tips
- 「とともに」 = together with / in parallel / changing along with (written style).