Translation guide
The English word "sharing" covers a range of situations, from dividing physical items to exchanging information or feelings. Japanese uses different verbs and expressions depending on what is shared and the relationship between people.
To split something (food, space, resources) among people so everyone gets a part or uses it together.
General verb for dividing or splitting something into parts and distributing them. Often used for food, money, or tasks.
ケーキをみんなで分けた。
We shared the cake among everyone.
Loanword from English, common in casual contexts for sharing food, costs, or digital content. Sounds modern and informal.
ピザをシェアしよう。
Let's share a pizza.
Formal term for joint ownership or use, often for spaces, equipment, or digital files. Common in work or technical settings.
このプリンターは部署で共有しています。
We share this printer within the department.
Literary or emotional nuance of sharing joys and sorrows together. Not used for physical division.
喜びを分かち合う。
To share joy.
To give someone information, news, opinions, or experiences so they know it too.
Standard for sharing information, data, or documents in professional or digital contexts.
会議の資料を共有します。
I'll share the meeting materials.
To convey or pass on information, feelings, or news. Focuses on the act of telling.
自分の意見を伝えた。
I shared my opinion.
To talk about or tell a story/experience. Very common in casual conversation.
Casual, often used for sharing links, photos, or social media posts.
写真をSNSでシェアした。
I shared the photo on social media.
To experience the same emotion, opinion, or situation as someone else.
To empathize or feel the same way. Often used for emotions or opinions.
彼の気持ちに共感した。
I shared his feelings.
Can be used for abstract things like values or goals, but less emotional than 共感する.
同じ目標を共有している。
We share the same goal.
Deeply sharing emotions or experiences, often in a poetic or profound sense.
To give some of what you have to someone else, often out of generosity.
Literally 'divide and give', the most natural way to say you shared something with someone.
お菓子を弟に分けてあげた。
I shared my snacks with my little brother.
Specifically for sharing a gift or something you received with others, often food. Has a warm, neighborly feel.
いただいたお菓子をご近所におすそ分けした。
I shared the sweets I received with my neighbors.
To take part in something together or bear a burden collectively.
Pattern meaning 'do ~ together'. Often the most natural translation when English uses 'share' for activities.
部屋を一緒に使っている。
We share a room.
To divide and share work or responsibility. Common in work or group projects.
家事を分担している。
We share the housework.
English uses 'share' for many situations where Japanese prefers a more specific verb or a phrase like 一緒に (together). For example, 'share a taxi' is usually タクシーに一緒に乗る, not タクシーをシェアする, though the latter is becoming more common in casual speech.
分ける focuses on dividing and distributing. 共有する is for joint ownership or access, often formal. シェアする is a casual loanword best for food, costs, or social media.
I shared my travel stories with my friend.
苦しみを分かち合う。
To share suffering.