How to say "sharing" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- noun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers sharing on social media, as in posting or reposting content. It is also the everyday, casual word for sharing things like rides, rooms, or expenses in conversation.
- 共有きょうゆうnoun, suru verb, transitive verbFor joint or co-ownership of property and rights, and for sharing something intangible such as a viewpoint, understanding, or goal. The shared thing is held or used in common, not divided up.
- 分配ぶんぱいnoun, suru verb, transitive verbRefers to sharing in the sense of dividing something up and distributing the parts, such as splitting money, profits, or portions among people. It implies apportionment rather than joint holding.
- 共用きょうようsuru verb, transitive verb, no-adjectiveCovers sharing in the sense of common or communal use, where several people use the same thing, such as a facility or space. It is about use in common, not ownership or division.
- nounA loanword covering sharing broadly, especially in the names of sharing services and business contexts. For everyday sentences, シェア or one of the native words is usually the more natural choice.
Use 「シェア」 for social-media sharing and casual everyday sharing, 共有 for shared ownership or sharing something like a viewpoint, 分配 for dividing and distributing, 共用 for communal use of facilities, and 「シェアリング」 as a loanword for sharing services.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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