Continuing our study of と, this lesson will cover its frequent use to mean 'with'. The particle と indicates a connection between two or more items, whether this connection is expressed in English as 'and' or 'with'.

Regardless of the translation, the nouns linked by と are typically engaged in a shared activity together (even if that activity is just being in the same place).

• パンはスープと食(た)べます。
  I eat bread with soup. (I eat bread 'and' soup)
• 友達(ともだち)と映画(えいが)を見(み)ます。
  I watch movies with my friend. (My friend 'and' I watch movies)

Using と for 'with' implies that everyone or everything mentioned is participating equally in the event. In contrast, the particle に singles out one person as the recipient or goal of the action, creating a meaning that is much more one-directional.

• 部長(ぶちょう)と連絡(れんらく)します。
  I will get in touch with the department manager. (Focus on mutual communication)
• 部長(ぶちょう)に連絡(れんらく)します。
  I will contact the department manager. (Focus on one person initiating contact)

In this comparison, using と shows that the communication is two-way and reciprocal. When に is used instead, the person marked by に is simply the recipient of the contact and is not necessarily responding or engaging in a back-and-forth.