How to say "accompany" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 伴うともなうgodan verb, intransitive verbCovers the sense in which one thing goes hand in hand with another or is consequent upon it, as when risk or expense accompanies an action or decision.
- 添えるそえるichidan verb, transitive verbUsed when something is added to accompany something else, as a card accompanies a gift; its other sense is to garnish. For other senses of 'accompany' it is seldom the word you want.
- 付き添うつきそうgodan verb, intransitive verbFor accompanying a person in the sense of attending on or escorting them, staying by their side to look after or help them, as when accompanying a patient or a child.
- godan verb (irregular), intransitive verbFor going along with or following someone, keeping up with them as they move; it also means to keep up with something. Usually written in kana alone.
- kuru verb, intransitive verbFor someone coming along with you or following you, including tagging along; usually written in kana alone.
Use 「伴う」 when one thing goes hand in hand with or results from another, 「添える」 when something is added alongside something else, 「付き添う」 for attending on or escorting a person, and 「ついていく」／「ついてくる」 for following or coming along.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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