combine · concurrently

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 兼 expresses combining roles or uses; 兼用 is read けんよう.
• Basic usage: 兼ねる(かねる) means combining roles, while 兼用 means using something for more than one purpose.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Combining the roles
  • In 客間と書斎を兼ねている, と joins guest room and study, and を marks these combined roles. One room serves both functions.