Translation guide
The English word 'share' covers several distinct meanings: dividing something among people, using something together, telling someone about something, having something in common, and posting on social media. Japanese uses different words and patterns for each.
To give a portion of something to others, or to split something among people.
The most common verb for physically dividing something and giving parts to others. Transitive.
ケーキをみんなで分けた。
We shared the cake among everyone.
お菓子を弟と分ける。
I share snacks with my younger brother.
Loanword from English, often used for sharing food, costs, or digital content. Casual.
ピザをシェアしよう。
Let's share a pizza.
Formal term for distributing or allocating shares, often used in business or legal contexts.
利益を株主に分配する。
Distribute profits to shareholders.
To use something jointly with others, such as a room, tool, or resource.
Standard verb for sharing abstract things (information, feelings) or physical spaces/resources. Implies joint ownership or use.
情報を共有してください。
Please share the information.
この部屋は二人で共有しています。
I share this room with one other person.
Phrase meaning 'use jointly'. More explicit than 共有する for physical items.
キッチンは共同で使います。
We share the kitchen.
Also used for sharing spaces or items, especially in casual contexts.
タクシーをシェアしない？
Want to share a taxi?
To communicate personal experiences, feelings, or information to someone.
General verb for 'talk' or 'tell'. Use when sharing stories or experiences.
昨日の出来事を友達に話した。
I shared what happened yesterday with a friend.
Used for sharing information, opinions, or feelings in a slightly more formal or collaborative sense.
意見を共有しましょう。
Let's share our opinions.
To confide or open up about something personal or secret.
To have the same characteristic, interest, or experience as someone else.
Pattern meaning 'share (a trait)'. The shared thing is marked with が.
私たちは趣味が共通している。
We share the same hobbies.
彼とは多くの友達が共通している。
He and I share many friends.
Can also be used for shared values or goals, but 共通している is more natural for traits.
目標を共有する。
Share a goal.
To repost or send a link, photo, or post to others via social media.
The standard term for sharing content on social media.
この動画をシェアしてください。
Please share this video.
Used in more formal or technical contexts, like sharing a file or link via a service.
リンクを共有します。
I'll share the link.
分ける is for physically dividing and distributing. 共有する is for joint use or abstract sharing (information, feelings). シェアする is a casual loanword used for sharing food, costs, rides, and social media content.
Saying 意見を分ける (wakeru) sounds like physically splitting opinions. Use 共有する or 話す instead.
悩みを打ち明けた。
I shared my worries (with someone).