Translation and Meaning of: 出合う - deau

The Japanese word 出合う[であう] carries meanings that go beyond a simple "to meet." If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, understanding its usage, origin, and cultural nuances can enrich your vocabulary. In this article, we will explore what makes this expression unique, from its basic meaning to the contexts in which it appears in everyday Japanese life.

In addition to being a common verb, 出合う reflects aspects of Japanese culture, such as the appreciation for meaningful encounters. Whether in everyday conversations or in media works, this word carries a weight that deserves attention. Here at Suki Nihongo, we strive to provide clear and precise explanations to help you truly master Japanese.

Meaning and use of 出合う

出合う is a verb that means "to encounter," but with a connotation of casualness or chance. Unlike 会う (to meet someone intentionally), it suggests an unplanned meeting, such as bumping into a friend on the street or discovering something unexpected. For example, 森で珍しい鳥に出合った (I encountered a rare bird in the forest) implies a surprise.

In practice, the Japanese use 出合う for both people and situations or objects. A book forgotten on a park bench, a landscape that moves you during a trip — all of this can be described with this word. It conveys the idea that the encounter has a special meaning, even if brief.

Origin and writing of kanjis

The composition of 出合う comes from the kanjis 出 (to exit, to emerge) and 合 (to unite, to combine). Together, they convey the notion of "going out and uniting with something," which makes sense for a casual encounter. Sources like Kanjipedia confirm that this combination has existed since the Edo period, initially used in literary contexts.

It is worth noting that 出合う can also be written only in hiragana (であう), especially in informal texts. The version with kanji, however, is more common in standard writing. Do not confuse it with 出会う — another valid form, but which emphasizes more the relational aspect (the kanji 会 means "meeting").

Tips for memorization and curiosities

A simple way to remember 出合う is to associate it with unexpected situations. Think of scenes from animes like "Your Name," where the protagonists meet by chance. This type of context helps reinforce the meaning. Another tip is to create flashcards with phrases like 運命の人に出合う (to meet the person of destiny).

Culturally, Japan values the concept of "fated encounters" (運命的な出合い), which makes this word common in songs and dramas. According to a survey by the National Institute of the Japanese Language, 出合う ranks among the 3,000 most used terms in everyday life, appearing more frequently in narratives involving travel or discoveries.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 出合う

出合う - dictionary form
出合います - Polite/formal way
出合って - Form Te
出合った - past form
出合える - potential form
出合おう - Volitive form

Synonyms and similar words

出会う (deau) - To find, to meet someone (usually by chance).
出くわす (dekuwasu) - To unexpectedly encounter someone or something.
出合せる (deawaseru) - Introduce, put in touch (refers to making two people meet each other).
遇遇する (souguu suru) - Find, have a meeting, usually related to a specific situation.
出迎える (demukaeru) - Receive (someone who arrives).
出合い (deai) - Meeting, a moment when two people come together.
出会い系 (deai kei) - Dating services or websites.
出会い系サイト (deai kei saito) - Dating sites.
出会い系アプリ (deai kei apuri) - Dating apps.
出会い系サービス (deai kei sābisu) - Dating services.
出会い系マッチングアプリ (deai kei macchingu apuri) - Dating apps that use matching.
出会い系マッチングサイト (deai kei macchingu saito) - Dating sites that use matching.
出会い系サイト利用者 (deai kei saito riyōsha) - Dating site users.