Translation and Meaning of: 再会 - saikai

The Japanese word 再会[さいかい] carries a deep and emotional meaning, often associated with special meetings and significant reunions. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the culture of the country, understanding the use and nuance of this expression can enrich your vocabulary. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which 再会 is used, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

In addition to being a common word in everyday life, 再会 appears in various forms of Japanese media, such as animes, dramas, and songs, reinforcing its importance in communication. Let's uncover how it is perceived by native speakers and in which situations you can use it appropriately.

Meaning and Translation of 再会

再会 is composed of two kanji: 再 (again) and 会 (meeting), forming the meaning of "reunion" or "meeting after some time." Unlike simply "seeing someone," this word implies a significant reunion, often after a prolonged separation. In English, it can be translated as "to see again," "to reunite," or even "gathering," depending on the context.

It's worth noting that 再会 is not used for casual or daily meetings. It carries a more emotional tone, being common in situations such as reuniting with a childhood friend or a distant family member. If you want to say you met someone in everyday life, words like 会う (to meet) are more appropriate.

Origin and Cultural Use

The combination of the kanjis 再 and 会 harks back to classical Chinese, but its use in Japan has solidified as part of everyday vocabulary. The word reflects Japanese cultural values, such as the importance of maintaining bonds even after long periods of distance. In a society that values lasting relationships, 再会 carries a unique sentimental weight.

In traditional festivals, such as New Year (正月), it is common to hear phrases like "また再会できる日を楽しみにしています" (I look forward to the day we meet again). This type of expression reinforces the idea that bonds remain, even with the passage of time. Moreover, the word is often used in letters and formal messages, demonstrating respect and affection.

Tips for Memorizing and Using Correctly

An effective way to memorize 再会 is to associate it with emotional situations, such as reuniting with a loved one. Creating flashcards with sentences like "長い間会えなかった友達と再会した" (I reunited with a friend I hadn't seen in a long time) can help reinforce the meaning. Another tip is to pay attention to dialogues in animes or dramas where the word appears, as the context aids understanding.

Avoid confusing 再会 with similar words, such as 遭遇 (unexpected encounter) or 面会 (formal visit). While 再会 has a positive and expected tone, these other expressions may have different nuances. Practicing with real examples and listening to native speakers is also essential for mastering proper usage.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 再会 (saikai) - reunion
• 再会する (saikai suru) - Reencounter
• また会う日まで (mata au hi made) - Until the day we meet again
• 再び会う日まで (futatabi au hi made) - Until the day we meet again
• また会いましょう (mata aimashou) - Let's meet again.

再会

Romaji: saikai
Kana: さいかい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: another meeting; meeting again; meeting

Meaning in English: another meeting;meeting again;reunion

Definition: To find yourself again.

Example Sentences - (再会) saikai

See below some example sentences:

再会しましょう。

Saikai shimashou

Let's meet again.

• 再会 - It means "meeting again" or "encounter again".
• しましょう - It is a polite and polite form of the verb "fazer" in the imperative, indicating a suggestion or invitation to do something together.

旧友と再会した。

Kyūyū to saikai shita

I found an old friend.

I met my old friend again.

• 旧友 - old friend
• と - particle that indicates companionship or connection
• 再会 - reunion
• した - past form of the verb "suru" (to do)

私は彼女との再会を待ち望んでいます。

Watashi wa kanojo to no saikai o machinozonde imasu

I am anxiously waiting for the reunion with her.

I'm waiting for me to find her again.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 彼女 (kanojo) - noun meaning "girlfriend" or "her"
• と (to) - particle that indicates the connection between "I" and "she", in this case, "with"
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession, in this case, "of the"
• 再会 (saikai) - noun meaning "gathering" or "meeting"
• を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "to wait"
• 待ち望んでいます (machinozondeimasu) - verb that means "to wait eagerly"