共 — Together, Common, All

Meaning

We'll learn about the N2 Kanji 共とも. This character is fundamental for expressing ideas of togetherness, commonality, and shared existence in Japanese. At its core, 共とも signifies 'together,' 'both,' 'all,' 'common,' or 'joint.' It serves as a building block for conveying unity, collaboration, and shared attributes across various contexts.

The origin of 共とも is thought to be a pictograph or ideograph. Some interpretations depict two hands holding something in common, or perhaps two individuals standing together under a shared roof. Another theory suggests a container with a lid, symbolizing shared contents. While the exact ancient image may vary, the core meaning of 'sharing' or 'being together' has remained consistent throughout its history.

Visually, you can imagine the top part as a roof or an overarching concept. The bottom part (八, which is the radical) can represent two entities or hands coming together underneath it, symbolizing a common space or shared action. This visual connection makes remembering its core meaning quite intuitive.

This kanji, written with 6 strokes, is taught in the 4th grade of Japanese elementary schools. Its early introduction underscores its significance in language acquisition. Understanding 共とも will help you grasp a wide range of vocabulary related to society, cooperation, and collective experiences.

Readings

On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings

The primary On'yomi reading for 共とも is キョウきょう (Kyō). This reading is frequently used in compound words, particularly those with more abstract or formal meanings related to commonality, joint action, or public affairs. When you encounter 共キョウ as part of a longer word, it almost always implies a sense of sharedness or working in conjunction.

• 共同きょうどう (kyōdō) — joint, common, cooperation. This word often describes shared efforts or ventures, such as 共同作業きょうどうさぎょ (kyōdō sagyō - joint work) or 共同開発きょうどうかいはつ (kyōdō kaihatsu - joint development).
• 共通きょうつう (kyōtsū) — common, shared. This refers to characteristics or elements shared by multiple parties, like 共通点きょうつうてん (kyōtsūten - common point) or 共通認識きょうつうにんしき (kyōtsū ninshiki - common understanding).
• 公共こうきょう (kōkyō) — public, communal. This term is used for things that belong to or serve the general public, such as 公共交通機関こうきょうこうつうきかん (kōkyō kōtsūkikan - public transportation) or 公共施設こうきょうしせつ (kōkyō shisetsu - public facilities).

Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings

The main Kun'yomi readings for 共とも are ともとも (tomo) and とも-にともに (tomo ni). These readings tend to appear in more native Japanese words or as standalone particles/adverbs, often conveying a direct sense of 'together with' or 'alongside' in everyday contexts.

• 共ともに (tomo ni) — together, along with. This adverbial form is frequently used to express doing something in conjunction with someone or something else. For example, 皆みなと共にともに (mina to tomo ni - together with everyone) or 彼かれと共にともに (kare to tomo ni - along with him).
• 共稼ともかせぎ (tomokasegi) — dual income, both spouses working. This compound uses ともとも to mean 'both' or 'together,' referring to both partners earning an income.
• 共白髪ともしらが (tomoshiraga) — growing old together. This is a beautiful expression for a long and happy marriage, literally meaning 'shared white hair.'

Common Words & Compounds

The kanji 共とも is highly versatile, appearing in a wide range of words that reflect its broad application in expressing shared concepts. Let's explore some common compounds grouped by theme:

Shared Actions & Concepts

• 共同きょうどう (kyōdō) — joint, common, cooperation. This implies working or existing together.
• 共通きょうつう (kyōtsū) — common, shared. Often describes shared characteristics or understanding.
• 公共こうきょう (kōkyō) — public, communal. Pertains to things for the general public's use.
• 共感きょうかん (kyōkan) — sympathy, empathy, resonance. Feeling the same emotions as someone else.
• 共鳴きょうめい (kyōmei) — resonance, sympathy, echo. Often used in physics or to describe shared feelings or ideas, e.g., 共鳴効果きょうめいこうか (kyōmei kōka - resonance effect).
• 共存きょうぞん (kyōzon) — coexistence, living together. The state of existing at the same time or in the same place.

Interpersonal & Social

• 共和きょうわ国こく (kyōwakoku) — republic. A state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, such as 日本国にほんこくは共和きょうわ国こくではありません (Nihon-koku wa kyōwakoku dewa arimasen - Japan is not a republic).
• 共働きょうどう (kyōdō) — working together, cooperating. Broader than 共同きょうどう, often implying active participation. For instance, 共働きょうどうで町まちづくり (kyōdō de machizukuri - town planning through cooperation).
• 共ともに (tomo ni) — together, along with. An adverbial phrase indicating concurrent action.
• 共犯きょうはん (kyōhan) — accomplice, joint crime. Refers to someone involved in a crime with others, like 共犯者きょうはんしゃ (kyōhansha - accomplice).

Specific Usage

• 共稼ともかせぎ (tomokasegi) — dual income (both spouses working). A common term in modern families.
• 共学きょうがく (kyōgaku) — coeducation, co-ed. Referring to schools where both genders are educated together, e.g., 共学きょうがくの学校がっこう (kyōgaku no gakkō - co-ed school).

Example Sentences

Memory Tip

To remember 共とも, focus on two key elements: 'together' and 'sharing a space.' Picture a sturdy roof (the top part, resembling ハ) sheltering two people or objects. The bottom radical, 八 (hachi), can be imagined as two legs or two people standing side-by-side. This simple image gives you two things/people standing 'together' under a 'common roof,' directly linking to its core meanings of 'together,' 'common,' and 'shared.'