Short Answer: These two words have the same meaning. In daily conversation, 같이 is much more common. 함께 is used mostly in songs, poetry, and formal writing. Both words are used to mean the same thing. Sometimes they are used interchangeably. Today we'll dive deeper into the differences and show some examples of each.
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함께
Definition 1: Together; Along With – In the state of several people being all together
Definition 2: Along With; Coupled With – together with something at the same time
EXAMPLES:
저는 부모님과 함께 살고 있어요.
I live with my parents.
주말에는 가족들과 함께 시간을 보내요.
I spend time with my family on weekends.
그녀는 친구 몇 명과 함께 있었어.
She had some friends with her.
2와 6을 함께 곱하면 12가 됩니다.
Multiply 2 and 6 together and you get 12.
그 와인은 생선 요리와 함께 마시면 좋아요.
The wine makes a good accompaniment to fish dish.
같이
Definition 1: Together – with each other
Definition 2: With – with something or someone
Definition 3: Alike; Similarly – Uniformly in situations or behavior.
used to mean “like” and functions In a similar manner to ~처럼
EXAMPLES:
저는 가족과 같이 살고 있어요.
I live with my family.
이 과자는 커피와 같이 먹으면 더욱 더 맛이 좋습니다. This snack tastes even better with coffee.
그는 돼지같이 많이 먹어.
He eats ( a lot of food) like a pig.
바보같이 굴지 마!
Don't act so stupid!
우산을 같이 쓸 수 있나요?
Will you let me share your umbrella? (with you; at the same time)
IN CONCLUSION:
In certain sentences one sounds better than the other, but a lot of the time they can be used
interchangeably.
Example, in sentences where 같이 is used
as a simile - to mean like or as. Or commomly said phrases like “같이 가자” or “같이 갈래요?” It may sound weird if 함께 were added instead.
That's all for this lesson! Check here for more like it. I made a post about 지금 & 이제 as well if you're interested!