Translation and Meaning of: 待ち合わせ - machiawase

The expression 「待ち合わせ」 (machiawase) is widely used in Japan to describe the act of arranging a meeting with someone at a specific place and time. Etymologically, this word is composed of two kanji: 「待ち」 which comes from the verb 「待つ」 (matsu), meaning "to wait", and 「合わせ」 which derives from the verb 「合わせる」 (awaseru), meaning "to join" or "to combine". Thus, 「待ち合わせ」 conveys the idea of "waiting for someone to meet and join that person".

The cultural origin of the practice of 「待ち合わせ」 can be traced back to how the Japanese value punctuality and mutual respect. In a country where efficiency and adherence to schedules are highly valued, the practice of setting specific meetings at designated locations has become essential in daily interactions, both in personal and professional contexts. The practice originated in ancient times, before the advent of modern technology, when meetings at pre-determined locations were the most practical way to gather.

A common variation of the practice of 「待ち合わせ」 involves choosing an iconic or easily identifiable landmark to ensure that the parties meet without confusion. Popular locations in large cities like Tóquio include famous statues, train station exits, or well-known landmarks. This makes the meeting easier without the need for constant digital confirmations, reflecting the trust and organization inherent in Japanese culture.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 待ち合わせ場所 (Machi awase basho) - Meeting place.
• 約束場所 (Yakusoku basho) - Promised place for a meeting.
• ミーティングポイント (Mītingu pointo) - Meeting point.
• 会合場所 (Kaigō basho) - Meeting place (more formal).
• 合流場所 (Gōryū basho) - A meeting place or gathering spot for people.

待ち合わせ

Romaji: machiawase
Kana: まちあわせ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: meeting

Meaning in English: appointment

Definition: Decide in advance the place and time where several people will gather, and then meet at that location.

Example Sentences - (待ち合わせ) machiawase

See below some example sentences:

待ち合わせ場所はどこですか？

Machiawase basho wa doko desu ka?

Where is the meeting point?

Where is the meeting place?

• 待ち合わせ場所 - meeting point
• は - Topic particle
• どこ - "onde"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• か - interrogative particle

街角で待ち合わせしましょう。

Machikado de machiawase shimashou

Let's meet at the corner of the street.

• 街角 (machikado) - means "corner" in Japanese
• で (de) - Particle that indicates the place where something happens
• 待ち合わせ (machiawase) - means "meeting" in Japanese
• しましょう (shimashou) - polite way of suggesting something, in this case "let's meet"