とも
とも
particle
both; all (of a small group)
1.
both; all (of them)
Attaches to a quantity word to mean 'every one' of the group counted, including both or all members without exception. The set must already be specified in context.
二人とも学生だ。
Both of them are students.
二つとも好きです。
I like both of them.
三人ともテストに合格した。
All three of them passed the test.
Attaches directly to a counting expression to mean 'every one of that number'. The group must be specific and small (typically 2–5 members), and the speaker is asserting that the predicate holds for each member without exception.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 二人とも: both people
- 二つとも: both things
- 三人とも: all three people
- 両方とも: both (of two options)
- 全員とも (less common; usually just 全員)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 両方: both — refers to two specific items as a pair
- みんな: everyone — for larger or vaguer groups
- 全部: all; entirely — for things, not typically people