供(とも)

とも
noun
companion, attendant, retinue
1. companion, attendant
A person who accompanies someone, especially as a servant or escort.
殿様(とのさま)は供(とも)を連(つ)れて旅(たび)に出(で)た。
The lord set out on a journey with his attendants.
供(とも)をする者(もの)は三人(さんにん)だった。
There were three people in the retinue.
旅(たび)の供(とも)として犬(いぬ)を連(つ)れていった。
I took a dog along as a travel companion.
2. accompanying, going along with
The act of accompanying someone.
子供(こども)を供(とも)に連(つ)れて買(か)い物(もの)に行(い)った。
I went shopping with my child accompanying me.
妻(つま)を供(とも)にパーティーに出席(しゅっせき)した。
I attended the party with my wife accompanying me.
友人(ゆうじん)を供(とも)に山(やま)を登(のぼ)った。
I climbed the mountain with a friend accompanying me.

供(とも) refers to someone who accompanies another person, often in a subordinate role. It has a somewhat classical or formal feel.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 供(とも)を連(つ)れる: to bring attendants/companions
  • 供(とも)をする: to accompany someone (as an attendant)
  • お供(とも)する: to accompany (humble form)

NOTE: This word appears in 子供(こども) (child), though the connection is historical. The character 供(とも/ども) can also be a pluralizing suffix (e.g., 私(わたし)供(ども) = we, humble).

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 連れ(つれ): companion (more casual)
  • 随行(ずいこう): accompanying (formal, for officials)
general
Added 2026.1.13 8:49 · Revised 2026.2.22 15:56
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