Translation guide
The English word 'together' covers several distinct meanings: joint action, being in the same place, combining things, and more. Japanese uses different words and patterns for each. This guide helps you choose the right one.
Expressing that two or more people do an action together, as a group.
The most common and versatile way to say 'together' for joint actions. Can be used with any verb.
一緒に映画を見ませんか。
Would you like to watch a movie together?
昨日、友達と一緒に勉強した。
Yesterday, I studied together with a friend.
A more formal or literary version of 'together'. Often used in writing, speeches, or to express shared experience.
苦労を共にする。
To share hardships together.
Attach 合う to the stem of a verb to mean 'do mutually' or 'together'. Emphasizes reciprocal action.
助け合うことが大切だ。
Helping each other (together) is important.
話し合いましょう。
Let's talk it over together.
Expressing that people or things are physically together, or that someone goes with someone else.
Also used for being together in a place or going together. Very common.
私たちはいつも一緒にいる。
We are always together.
駅まで一緒に行きましょう。
Let's go together to the station.
Means 'all together' or 'in a group', often implying everyone is present or doing something at the same time.
家族揃って旅行に行った。
The whole family went on a trip together.
Expressing that two or more things are combined, mixed, or added together.
Used when combining numbers, amounts, or items. Often used with verbs like する or なる.
全部合わせていくらですか。
How much is it all together?
力を合わせて頑張ろう。
Let's combine our efforts and do our best.
Can also mean 'together' in the sense of mixing or putting things in the same place.
Means 'collectively' or 'all at once'. Used when gathering things or doing something in a batch.
書類をまとめて提出してください。
Please submit the documents together (as a batch).
Expressing a total sum or overall amount.
Means 'in total' or 'altogether'. Used when stating a total number or amount.
全部で10人です。
There are ten people altogether.
Also used for totals, similar to 'combined'.
合わせて5000円になります。
That comes to 5000 yen together.
Expressing that two events happen at the same time.
Means 'at the same time' or 'simultaneously'. Used for events occurring together.
二人は同時に話し始めた。
The two started speaking at the same time.
Can sometimes imply simultaneity, but 同時に is clearer for purely temporal 'together'.
Expressing that two people are in a romantic relationship or are a couple.
The standard way to say 'going out' or 'being together' as a couple.
私たち、付き合っています。
We are together (as a couple).
Literally 'being together', can imply a romantic relationship in context.
ずっと一緒にいたい。
I want to be together forever.
一緒に is the everyday word for 'together'. 共に is more formal and often used in writing or solemn contexts. For casual speech, stick with 一緒に.
In English, 'together' is often used where Japanese would use a different structure, like the verb ending 合う for mutual actions, or simply a plural subject. Avoid forcing 一緒に into every sentence.
Don't put sugar and salt in together.
Thunder and rain came together.