Meaning and Usage
The verb 伴う (ともなう) means "to accompany," "to be accompanied by," or "to involve." It is often used in formal or written contexts to express that one thing comes together with another, either physically or abstractly.
Common Contexts
- Physical accompaniment: Someone or something physically goes together with another (e.g., a person accompanied by a smile).
- Abstract accompaniment: Something intangible like risk, responsibility, or consequences that come with an action or situation.
Collocations and Patterns
- リスクが伴う (risks accompany): Used when talking about dangers or risks that come with an action.
- 責任が伴う (responsibility accompanies): Used to express that a task or role includes responsibility.
- 笑顔を伴う (to accompany with a smile): Describes a manner or attitude that comes with a smile.
Register and Nuance
伴う is more formal and often found in written language, news reports, or formal speeches. It is less common in casual conversation where simpler verbs like つく or いっしょに行く might be used.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 伴う with 連れる (つれる), which also means "to accompany" but is used mainly for physically leading or bringing a person or animal. 伴う can be used more broadly, including abstract concepts like risks or responsibilities.