Translation and Meaning of: 一緒 - isho

The Japanese word 一緒[いっしょ] is one of those you hear from the very first Japanese classes, but it holds fascinating nuances. If you've ever watched an anime or heard a casual conversation between Japanese people, you've probably noticed that issho goes far beyond the simple "together." In this article, we'll dive into the etymology, everyday usage, and even tips for memorizing this term that is essential for anyone wanting to master the language. Here at Suki Nihongo, you'll also find practical examples to include in your Anki and boost your studies!

Origin and etymology of 一緒

The kanji 一 (ichi) means "one," while 緒 (sho) carries the idea of "tie" or "cord." Together, they create the image of something tied in a single direction — perfect for expressing unity. Interestingly, the second kanji also appears in words like 情緒 (jōcho, "emotion"), showing how the Japanese language weaves subtle connections between concepts.

In the Edo period, the term was already used to describe groups that shared tasks, such as farmers working 一緒に (together) in the harvest. Today, this historical root still resonates in expressions like 一緒にする (to unite different things) or 一緒に行こう (let's go together), proving that some words withstand the test of time simply because they work.

Everyday lies and curiosities

If you've ever wondered why the Japanese repeat issho so often, the answer lies in their collectivist culture. Phrases like 一緒に食べない？ (Shall we eat together?) are invitations that strengthen bonds. Even in convenience stores, you'll hear employees saying 袋に一緒に入れますか？ (Do you want me to put everything in the same bag?), showing how the term permeates even mundane interactions.

A common trick is to confuse 一緒 with 同じ (onaji, "same"). While the former emphasizes joint action, the latter compares characteristics. For example: 私たちは一緒に映画を見た (We watched the movie together) versus 私たちの意見は同じだ (Our opinions are the same). Details like this make all the difference in fluency!

Tips for memorizing and using like a native

An infallible technique is to associate 一緒 with real situations. Imagine friends shouting 一緒に写真を撮ろう！ (Let's take a photo together!) at a summer festival—the visual scene helps to reinforce the term. Another trick is to notice that the sound "issho" resembles "what's up, show?", a helpful joke to remember the pronunciation.

To practice, try creating sentences with movement verbs: Shall we go together to the station? If you are in Japan, pay attention to signs such as Please do not put the rubbish together in the same place. These are small challenges that turn study into experience.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 同じく (Onajiku) - Likewise; similarly
• 共に (Tomoni) - Together; in company
• 一同 (Ichidō) - All together; the whole group
• 一体 (Ittai) - In its entirety; as a whole
• 同伴 (Dōhan) - Follow-up; being together
• 同席 (Dōseki) - Sit together; be present together in one place
• 同行 (Dōkō) - Travel together; accompany on a trip
• 同様 (Dōyō) - In a similar way; equal
• 同志 (Dōshi) - Comrade; ally in common goals
• 同僚 (Dōryō) - Co-worker; work partner
• 仲間 (Nakama) - Companion; comrade in social activities
• 連れ (Tsure) - Companion; person who accompanies
• 連れ添い (Tsuresoi) - Spouse; fixed partner in relationships
• 連れ立って (Tsuredatte) - Go together; move in a group
• 一緒くた (Isshokuta) - Combine everything; mix without distinction
• 一緒に (Issho ni) - Together; accompany / do something jointly
• 一緒にして (Issho ni shite) - Do together; combine in an activity
• 一緒にする (Issho ni suru) - Decide to do it together; collaborate on actions
• 一緒に居る (Issho ni iru) - Being together; staying in someone's company
• 一緒に行く (Issho ni iku) - Go together; go out together
• 一緒に来る (Issho ni kuru) - Come together; get close to someone
• 一緒に食べる (Issho ni taberu) - Eating together; sharing a meal
• 一緒に遊ぶ (Issho ni asobu) - Playing together; having fun in company
• 一緒に暮らす (Issho ni kurasu) - Living together; cohabiting
• 一緒に見る (Issho ni miru) - See together; observe in company
• 一緒に歩く (Issho ni aruku) - Walking together; going together
• 一緒に考える (Issho ni kangaeru) - Think together; collaborate in reasoning
• 一緒に勉強する (Issho ni benkyō suru) - Study together; learn together

一緒

Romaji: isho
Kana: いっしょ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: together; meeting; company

Meaning in English: together;meeting;company

Definition: Together: The presence of various people or things together in a place or situation.

Example Sentences - (一緒) isho

See below some example sentences:

連中は私たちと一緒に行くつもりですか？

Renchuu wa watashitachi to issho ni iku tsumori desu ka?

Are you planning to come with us?

Will they go with us?

• 連中 (renchuu) - means "they" or "them all"
• は (wa) - topic particle, indicates that "they" are the subject of the sentence
• 私たち (watashitachi) - means "we"
• と (to) - particle indicating a connection or company, in this case, "with"
• 一緒に (issho ni) - means "together"
• 行く (iku) - means "to go"
• つもりですか？ (tsumori desu ka?) - expression meaning "you intend" or "you intend to"

私たちはグループで一緒に仕事をします。

Watashitachi wa gurūpu de issho ni shigoto o shimasu

We work together as a group.

We work together in the group.

• 私たちは - "We"
• グループで - "in group"
• 一緒に - Together
• 仕事をします - "we work"

気が合う人と一緒にいると楽しいです。

Ki ga au hito to issho ni iru to tanoshii desu

It's fun to be with people who have the same energy as you.

It's fun to be with the people you care about.

• 気が合う - kigaau - to have similar interests or personalities
• 人 - hito - person
• と - to - with
• 一緒に - together - together
• いる - go be
• と - to - with
• 楽しい - Fun - fun
• です - is (a Japanese copula, often used to indicate a state of being) is

仲間と一緒にいると楽しいです。

Nakama to issho ni iru to tanoshii desu

It's fun to be with friends.

It's fun to be with your friends.

• 仲間 - It means "companion/friend"
• と - it is a particle that indicates the company of someone
• 一緒に - It means "together/with"
• いる - It is a verb that indicates the action of being present.
• と - it is a particle that indicates the company of someone
• 楽しい - It is an adjective that means "fun/enjoyable"
• です - It is a particle that indicates formality and the end of the sentence.

ずっと一緒にいたい。

Zutto issho ni itai

I want to be with you always.

I wanna be with you forever.

• ずっと - Adverb that indicates continuity, permanence or duration.
• 一緒に - expression meaning "together with" or "beside".
• いたい - verb "いる" conjugated in the present tense and in the desejative form, meaning "to want to be" or "to wish to be".

クリスマスは家族と一緒に過ごす特別な日です。

Kurisumasu wa kazoku to issho ni sugosu tokubetsu na hi desu

Christmas is a special day spent with family.

Christmas is a special day to spend with your family.

• クリスマス (kurisumasu) - Christmas
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 家族 (kazoku) - family
• と (to) - connecting particle
• 一緒に (issho ni) - together
• 過ごす (sugosu) - spend time)
• 特別な (tokubetsu na) - special
• 日 (hi) - day
• です (desu) - Verb ser/estar (polite form)

三人の友達と一緒に遊ぶ。

Mittsu no tomodachi to issho ni asobu

Play with three friends.

Play with three friends.

• 三人 - three people
• の - Possession particle
• 友達 - friends
• と - connecting particle
• 一緒に - together
• 遊ぶ - Play

今度は一緒に行きましょう。

Kondo wa issho ni ikimashou

Let's go together this time.

• 今度 - "this time"
• は - Topic particle
• 一緒に - Together
• 行きましょう - "let's go"

共学は男女が一緒に学ぶ学校です。

Kyōgaku wa danjo ga issho ni manabu gakkō desu

Co-education is a school where men and women learn together.

• 共学 - means "mixed education", that is, schools where boys and girls study together.
• 男女 - means "men and women".
• 一緒に - means "together".
• 学ぶ - means "to study".
• 学校 - means "school".

好き好きな人と一緒にいると幸せです。

Suki suki na hito to issho ni iru to shiawase desu

I'm happy to be with my favorite person.

• 好き好きな人と - With the person I like
• 一緒に - Together
• いる - Be
• と - With
• 幸せです - And happy