381 - とともに (and in addition)

One most important things when you start learning Japanese is how to string together lengthy sentences.

In these early stages, the conjunction と opens up a whole new world of possibilities in what you can say.

But now we are at N2 level, so と alone isn’t going to cut it.

So let's up our game by using something a bit fancier to create longer sentences.


JLPT Grammar: とともに (and in addition)

There are a few different とともに grammar points in Japanese.

They all have similar meanings but slightly different connotations. Today I just want to focus on one.

The とともに for this lesson means “and in addition.”

It connects two concepts by stating that not only will one thing occur, but so will another.

Here is the construction:

Vる + とともに
図るとともに
はかる とともに
In addition to planning...

Noun + とともに
景色とともに
けしき とともに
In addition to the scenery...

And here are some examples of how it's used:

授業で教わったこととともに、本で読んだことも参考にして作文を書きました。
じゅぎょう で おそわった こと とともに、 ほん で よんだ こと も さんこう に して さくぶん を かきました。
In addition to what I was taught in the class, I also referenced things I read in books to write the essay.
Literally: “class + で + was taught + こと + とともに, + book + で + read + こと + も + reference + に + do (and) + essay + を +wrote”


今月は家賃や車のローンとともに息子の大学の入学金を支払わなければいけない。
こんげつ は やちん や くるま の ローン とともに むすこ の だいがく の にゅうがくきん を しはらわなければいけない。
This month, in addition to my rent and car payment, I also have to pay my son’s college entrance fee.
Literally: “this month + は + rent + や + car + の + loan + とともに + son + の + college + の + entrance fee + を + have to pay”


日本は性差別の改善を進めるとともに、労働環境の改善も必要である。
にほん は せいさべつ の かいぜん を すすめる とともに、 ろうどう かんきょう の かいぜん も ひつよう である。
In addition to improving gender inequality, Japan also needs to improve working conditions.
Literally: “Japan + は + sex discrimination + の + improvement + を + advance + とともに, + work / labor + environment + の + improvement + も + necessary + である.”


その施設では捨てられた犬や猫を保護するとともに、里親の募集をしている。
その しせつ では すてられた いぬ や ねこ を ほご する とともに、 さとおや の ぼしゅう を している。
In this establishment, in addition to caring for dogs and cats that have been tossed aside, they are also looking for foster parents.
Literally: “this + establishment + では + tossed out + dog + や + cat + を + caring for / protecting + do + とともに + foster parent + の + recruitment + を + are doing”


Come back and reference this lesson after you go over a couple other とともに grammar points so you can clarify the similarities and differences in each.

Here is one that we saw a while back: [NDL #324] - JLPT N3: とともに〈いっしょに〉

As for this one, don’t forget to try and make a few sentences. I know I say this every lesson, but I really can’t stress enough the importance of making your own sentences for each grammar point you learn. It will help solidify not only that specific grammar point in your head, but you will also remember related vocab more easily as well.

And as always, here is my doggy for your viewing pleasure:


This lesson was written by Cassy L., a guest contributor:


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