JLPT N1 Grammar

〜と相まって (to aimatte)

〜と相まって (to aimatte)
“Combined with; together with; in cooperation with”

This expression is used to describe how two or more factors come together to produce a synergistic effect, resulting in a specific outcome or a stronger impression. It emphasizes that the combination of these elements creates a result that is more significant than each part alone.

  • Formality: Highly formal and literary.
  • Context: Primarily used in written Japanese, such as news reports, critiques, academic papers, and formal business reviews. It is common when describing the success of a project, the beauty of a landscape, or the reasons behind a market trend.
  • Nuance: It carries an objective, analytical, and sophisticated tone. It is almost always used for positive or impressive results (e.g., "The high quality combined with the low price led to a hit product"), though it can occasionally describe a compounding negative situation in formal reports.

Format

  • Noun + と相まって
    実力と運と相まって、彼は大成功を収めた。 Combined with his ability and a bit of luck, he achieved great success.

Example sentences

  • 、。
    Combined with its unique technology, the product boasts an overwhelming market share.
  • 、。
    The historical buildings, combined with the surrounding nature, create a beautiful landscape.
  • 、。
    Combined with the weak yen, the number of tourists from overseas is rapidly increasing.
  • 、。
    His sincere personality, combined with his outstanding leadership, brought the team together.
  • 、。
    Combined with the declining birthrate and aging population, the labor shortage has become a serious social issue.
  • 、。
    Combined with the latest equipment, production efficiency improved significantly.
  • 、。
    The exquisite seasoning, combined with the quality of the ingredients, makes for a perfect dish.
  • 、。
    Combined with the recession, consumers' restraint in spending continues.
  • 、。
    The lighting effects, combined with the music, evoke a magical atmosphere.
  • 、。
    Many years of effort, combined with luck, have finally started to show results.

Similar Grammar

〜と並んで (to narande)

“Along with; equal to”
彼は、日本を代表する作家と並んで評価されている。 He is evaluated alongside writers representing Japan.

Difference:

  • Focuses on being "at the same level" or "side-by-side," whereas 相まって focuses on the synergy between two things.

〜に加えて (ni kuwaete)

“In addition to”
実力に加えて、運も必要だ。 In addition to ability, luck is also necessary.

Difference:

  • Simply adds information (A + B). 相まって implies that A and B are working together to create a specific result.

〜をきっかけに (o kikkake ni)

“With ... as a start; triggered by” 就職をきっかけに、一人暮らしを始めた。 I started living alone after getting a job.

Difference:

  • Indicates a starting point or trigger, not the combination of factors.

〜とともに (to tomo ni)

“Together with; as ... then ...” 技術の進歩とともに、生活が便利になった。 Along with the progress of technology, life has become more convenient.

Difference:

  • Used for simultaneous changes or simple accompaniment.
  • It lacks the "synergistic effect" nuance of 相まって.

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. によるの（　　　）、へのがしている。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. な（　　　）、のがにしている。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q3. のに（　　　）、のをしておくがある。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q4. のがの（　　　）、のがされた。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q5. のは、の（　　　）ものだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q6. のを（　　　）、はでことにしている。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q7. 的ながの（　　　）、ながた。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q8. のがある（　　　）、をした。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q9. の（　　　）、ながされる。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q10. （　　　）、ののがなっている。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q11. の（　　　）、はのを。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q12. （　　　）、ながのをいる。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q13. のは、の（　　　）せざるをえない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q14. のがな（　　　）、をした。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q15. の（　　　）、のを。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Continue Your Journey to Native-Level Fluency

Great work finishing this session! Achieving N1-level precision is about layering these subtle distinctions until they become second nature in your professional life.

To maintain your momentum and eliminate any remaining blind spots, head back to our JLPT N1 Grammar List. Use it to systematically check off each point and refine your ability to navigate complex Japanese environments with the confidence of a native speaker.

JLPT N1 Grammar List

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