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:

広がる世界を一緒に旅しましょう。

Hirogaru sekai wo issho ni tabi shimashou

Let's travel the world together.

• 広がる - verb that means "to spread", "to expand"
• 世界 - noun that means "world"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 一緒に - expression that means "together"
• 旅 - noun that means "trip"
• しましょう - verb that indicates a suggestion or invitation to do something together

私たちは一緒に進める。

Watashitachi wa issho ni susumeru

We will move forward together.

We continue together.

• 私たち - 私たち
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 一緒に - "Juntos" in Japanese is "一緒に" (issho ni).
• 進める - 「進む」

私たちは一緒に歩みを進めていきましょう。

Watashitachi wa issho ni ayumi o susumete ikimashou

Let's go on together.

• 私たち - 私たち
• 一緒に - "Juntos" in Japanese is "一緒に" (issho ni).
• 歩み - "step" or "path" in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 進めて - "to advance" in Japanese (continuous form)
• いきましょう - "let's go" in Japanese (polite form)

私たちは一緒に素晴らしい時間を過ごしました。

Watashitachi wa issho ni subarashii jikan o sugoshimashita

We had a wonderful time together.

We had a wonderful time together.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 一緒に - "Juntos" in Japanese is "一緒に" (issho ni).
• 素晴らしい - "素晴らしい"
• 時間を - "Tempo" in Japanese
• 過ごしました - "Passamos" in Japanese is "私たちは通りました" (Watashitachi wa toorimashita).