Meaning
The kanji 伴 (はん, ともなう) primarily expresses the concepts of accompanying, being a companion, or an associate. It suggests being together with someone, accompanying them, or something existing alongside another. At its core, 伴 signifies partnership, accompaniment, and involvement.
Etymologically, 伴 is a semantic-phonetic compound character. It consists of two parts: the radical 人 (person) on the left, and 半 (half) on the right. The 人 radical clearly indicates that this kanji relates to people or human actions. Interestingly, the phonetic component 半 (half) also cleverly contributes to its meaning.
Imagine a person who is 'half' of a pair, sharing an experience or journey with another. This visually represents two halves coming together, symbolizing companionship or mutual presence. Thus, a 'person' who is 'half' of a duo becomes a companion or an escort. This visual connection directly reinforces its primary meaning: a person alongside you, sharing a part of something.
伴 has 7 strokes and is a JLPT N1 kanji. This means you'll typically encounter it in advanced Japanese texts and contexts, rather than in elementary school materials (hence its grade 0 classification).
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The On'yomi reading of 伴 is ハン. This reading originates from Chinese and is primarily used when 伴 forms part of a compound word, typically alongside other kanji of Chinese origin. You'll often find it in formal or technical terms related to accompaniment, partnership, or being paired with something.
- 同伴 (dōhan) — accompanying, going with someone. This term is often used when a person accompanies another to an event or activity. For example, 「ご家族を同伴してもいいですか」 (Is it okay to bring your family?).
- 伴侶 (hanryo) — a companion, partner, often specifically referring to a spouse or life partner. This term emphasizes a deep, shared relationship, as in 「人生の伴侶」 (life partner).
- 伴奏 (bansō) — musical accompaniment. This specifically refers to music played to support a main melody or performer, such as a piano accompanying a singer. 「ピアノの伴奏で歌う」 (to sing with piano accompaniment).
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi readings of 伴 are native Japanese pronunciations and are often used when the kanji stands alone as a verb or noun, sometimes with okurigana (送り仮名) attached.
- 伴う (tomonau) — This is the most common Kun'yomi and functions as a verb, meaning "to accompany," "to be accompanied by," "to bring with," or "to involve." It can refer to physical accompaniment or the involvement of abstract concepts like risks or responsibilities. For instance, 「危険を伴う仕事」 (a job involving danger). It can also mean 「成長に伴って」 (along with growth).
- 伴 (tomo) — While less common as a standalone word, this reading appears in specific contexts or compounds. It refers to a companion or escort. While 供 is more common for this meaning, 伴 can also be used. An example is お伴, which means a companion or escort, often used in polite or historical contexts, as in 「お伴させて頂きます」 (I will accompany you). Another example, though less frequent, is 旅伴 for a travel companion.
Common Words & Compounds
Here are several common words and compounds featuring the kanji 伴, grouped by theme to highlight its various uses:
Accompanying and Association
- 同伴 (dōhan) — accompaniment; going with someone. This term is often used in formal settings or invitations where one might bring a guest.
- 随伴 (zuihan) — accompaniment; following along. Often used in scientific or technical contexts, such as a phenomenon occurring alongside another.
- 伴奏 (bansō) — musical accompaniment. Refers specifically to the musical support provided for a soloist or main melody.
- 伴う (tomonau) — to accompany, to be accompanied by, to involve. This is the verb form and is widely used for both physical presence and abstract involvement.
Partnership and Relationships
- 伴侶 (hanryo) — partner, companion, spouse. This term signifies a close and often lifelong relationship, particularly in the context of marriage or deep partnership.
- お伴 (otomo) — companion, escort. This respectful term is often used when accompanying someone of higher status, or simply referring to one's companion in a polite way.
- 相伴 (shōban) — accompanying; joining someone (often for a meal or social event, with a nuance of being invited or allowed to join).
Specialized or Abstract Contexts
- 伴星 (bansei) — companion star. A term used in astronomy to refer to a star that is gravitationally bound to another star.
- 伴食 (banshoku) — dining companion; the act of dining with others. Can sometimes carry historical or specific connotations related to sharing meals.
Example Sentences
彼女は彼に同伴してパーティーへ行った。
Kanojo wa kare ni dōhan shite pātī e itta.
She accompanied him to the party.
危険を伴う仕事には、注意が必要です。
Kiken o tomonau shigoto ni wa, chūi ga hitsuyō desu.
Jobs involving danger require caution.
人生の伴侶として、お互いを尊重しましょう。
Jinsei no hanryo to shite, otagai o sonchō shimashō.
As life partners, let's respect each other.
歌に合わせてピアノの伴奏が流れた。
Uta ni awasete piano no bansō ga nagareta.
Piano accompaniment played along with the song.
子供を伴って公園へ散歩に行きました。
Kodomo o tomonatte kōen e sanpo ni ikimashita.
I went for a walk in the park with my child.
彼は何事も一人でせず、常に誰かに伴ってもらっている。
Kare wa nanigoto mo hitori de sezu, tsune ni dareka ni tomonatte moratte iru.
He never does anything alone; he always has someone accompany him.
責任の伴う立場にいることを忘れてはいけない。
Sekinin no tomonau tachiba ni iru koto o wasurete wa ikenai.
You must not forget that you are in a position that comes with responsibility.
昔は武士が大名にお伴することもあった。
Mukashi wa bushi ga daimyō ni otomo suru koto mo atta.
In ancient times, samurai sometimes accompanied feudal lords.
経済成長は環境問題を伴うことが多い。
Keizai seichō wa kankyō mondai o tomonau koto ga ooi.
Economic growth often brings environmental problems.
この研究には多大な労力と時間が伴います。
Kono kenkyū ni wa tadai na rōryoku to jikan ga tomonaimasu.
This research involves a great deal of effort and time.
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 伴, think of its components: 人 (person) and 半 (half). Imagine a person who is half of a pair or shares half of an experience with you. This visual immediately suggests a companion or someone who accompanies you.
Picture two people walking side-by-side, each being 'half' of the journey or conversation. This simple image – a 'person' being 'half' of a duo – directly conveys 'to accompany' or 'a companion'. The radical 人 tells you it's about people, while 半 adds the nuance of sharing or being part of a pair.