Translation and Meaning of: 合わす - awasu

The Japanese word 合わす (あわす - awasu) is a versatile verb that carries meanings such as to join, unite, combine, and even to confront. If you've ever wondered how the Japanese express the idea of connecting things or adjusting elements to fit perfectly, this is the key word. In this article, we will explore its etymology, everyday usage, and even tips for effectively memorizing its kanji. Additionally, if you use Anki or another spaced repetition method, get ready to jot down practical examples that will boost your studies.

What makes 合わす special is its application in contexts ranging from physical situations, like overlapping papers, to abstractions, such as harmonizing ideas. Have you ever heard this word in animes or dramas without realizing it? Let's uncover its secrets, including the relationship between its pictogram and the concept of "adjustment." And if you're someone who loves a pun or linguistic curiosity, there's a surprise at the end!

Etymology and Pictogram: The Kanji Behind Union

The kanji 合, which makes up 合わす, is one of those characters that tells a visual story. It combines the radicals 亼 (roof) and 口 (mouth), suggesting the idea of things meeting under the same space. It’s no wonder that this ideogram appears in words like 合同 (gōdō) - "combination" or "cooperation." The writing itself reveals the essence of the verb: to create harmony from distinct elements.

In the archaic language, the root あう (au) carried the basic meaning of "to meet," evolving into the notion of adjustment present in modern Japanese. A fascinating detail is that the same kanji appears in 合う (au) - "to fit" - but in the transitive form (合わす), it gains the power of "to make something adjust." Do you see how a small change in conjugation completely transforms the action?

Everyday Lies: When Do the Japanese Use 合わす?

Imagine watching a chef in Japan preparing sushi: when mixing the vinegar with the rice, he would certainly use 酢を飯に合わす (su o meshi ni awasu). This is a classic example where the verb means "to season" or "to combine proportions." But the magic happens when the same word appears in entirely different contexts, such as 意見を合わす (iken o awasu) - "to align opinions." The semantic flexibility makes it one of the most useful words for those who want to sound natural in the language.

And it doesn't stop there! In the IT field, it's common to hear データを合わす (dēta o awasu) for "syncing data". In conflict situations, the expression 刃を合わす (yaiba o awasu) - literally "crossing blades" - brings that dramatic tone of confrontation that we see in samurai movies. Mastering these uses is like gaining a shortcut to understanding the hidden cultural nuances in the language.

Memory Tips and Curiosities

Want a surefire trick to never forget the kanji? Think of it as two hands (𠆢) holding an object (一) that needs to fit into an opening (口). This mental image helps to fix both the writing and the main meaning. And to train your listening, notice how in some regional dialects, like that of Osaka, the pronunciation can pull more on the "a" - almost sounding like あわーす.

Now a curiosity that few expect: in traditional games like 将棋 (shōgi), masters often use the term 駒を合わす (koma o awasu) to describe the strategic movement of positioning pieces to create an advantage. If you are a fan of pop culture, you may have heard the word in openings of anime like Naruto, usually in verses about team unity. How about creating a themed playlist to learn while having fun?

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 合わす

• 合わす - Infinitive base form
• 合わします - Polite polite form
• 合わせます - Form て dictionary form
• 合わせた - past
• 合わさせる - potential
• 合わされる - passive

Synonyms and similar words

• 合致する (gacchi suru) - to conform, to coincide
• 適合する (tekigō suru) - to adapt, to adjust to specific standards
• 一致する (itchi suru) - be identical, be in agreement
• 合う (au) - fit, match
• 調和する (chōwa suru) - Harmonize, be in harmony
• 調整する (chōsei suru) - adjust, regulate

合わす

Romaji: awasu
Kana: あわす
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: to get together; face; join; be opposite; to combine; to connect; add; mix; to combine; overlap; to compare; check with

Meaning in English: to join together;to face;to unite;to be opposite;to combine;to connect;to add up;to mix;to match;to overlap;to compare;to check with

Definition: To have fun with each other. Facilitate the organization and assembly of pieces.

Example Sentences - (合わす) awasu

See below some example sentences:

私たちはスケジュールを合わす必要があります。

Watashitachi wa sukejūru o awasu hitsuyō ga arimasu

We need to adjust our schedules.

We need to schedule.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• スケジュール - "Agenda in Japanese
• を - Direct object particle in Japanese
• 合わす - "Coordinate" in Japanese
• 必要があります - "We need" in Japanese