Translation and Meaning of: 合わせる - awaseru

If you've ever wondered how the Japanese express the idea of "join," "combine," or even "face" in a single verb, the answer lies in 合わせる (あわせる). This versatile word appears in situations ranging from adjusting the volume of music to synchronizing movements in a traditional dance. In this article, you'll discover the etymology, the pictogram behind the kanji, and how this expression has become so present in everyday life in Japan. Additionally, we've provided practical examples for you to practice with in Anki or your favorite memorization method.

The verb 合わせる carries nuances that go beyond its literal meaning — it reflects the Japanese culture of harmony and precision. Whether to combine ingredients in a recipe or to compare results, this word is one of the most useful for those who want to master the language. Let’s explore from its historical origin to tips for not confusing it with similar expressions.

Origin and Structure of Kanji

The kanji 合わせる is composed of two elements: 合 (which means "to combine" or "to adapt") and the verbal suffix せる, which indicates action. The root 合 appears in various other words, such as 合同 (gōdō, "cooperation") and 合意 (gōi, "consensus"), always conveying the idea of joining or adjustment. Interestingly, the character itself is a pictogram that represents a lid fitting perfectly onto a container — an image that makes complete sense for the meaning of the word.

In ancient language, the term was primarily used in contexts of physical alignment, such as joining pieces of wood in carpentry. Over time, it gained more abstract meanings, such as "adapting to a situation" or "reconciling opinions." This evolution illustrates how Japanese transforms concrete concepts into rich, layered expressions.

Everyday Uses and Popular Expressions

In daily life, Japanese people use 合わせる in situations ranging from the trivial to the ceremonial. A classic example is the phrase 音量を合わせる (onryō o awaseru), which means "to adjust the volume." But the word also appears in more subtle contexts: during hanami (flower viewing), it's common to hear タイミングを合わせる (taimingu o awaseru) — literally "to synchronize the timing" to see the flowers at their peak.

In cooking, the verb is almost omnipresent. Traditional recipes often ask to 味を合わせる (aji o awaseru), that is, "balance the flavors." And those who have participated in a festival in Japan have probably seen groups practicing 足並みを合わせる (ashinami o awaseru), the act of marching in the same rhythm. These examples show how the word is connected to precision and cooperation.

Tips to Master and Memorize

A surefire way to remember 合わせる is to associate it with situations that require synchronization. Think of the image of a taiko group (Japanese drums) where all movements need to be perfectly aligned — this is the essence of the verb. Another tip is to create flashcards with contrasts: on one side "to separate" (分ける) and on the other "合わせる", to reinforce the meaning by opposition.

If you enjoy music, try using the word when practicing instruments. Phrases like リズムを合わせる (rizumu o awaseru) ("hit the rhythm") are great for internalizing the term. And don't underestimate the power of slang: among young people, it's common to say アジャストする (ajusto suru), a borrowing from the English "adjust" that serves a similar function in informal contexts.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 合わせる

• 合わせる - base form
• 合わせます - polite form
• 合わせた - past form
• 合わせて - Gerund form

Synonyms and similar words

• 合わせる (Awaseru) - Join, combine
• 併せる (Awaseru) - Combine, unite (usually used in contexts where different elements are added)
• 組み合わせる (Kumiawaseru) - Combine, assemble (usually used to form pairs or groups)
• 一致させる (Icchi saseru) - Match, harmonize (emphasizes compliance)
• 調和させる (Chōwa saseru) - Harmonize, adjust (focus on creating harmony)
• 同調させる (Dōchō saseru) - Synchronize, correspond (emphasizes alignment in rhythm or opinion)
• 調整する (Chōsei suru) - Adjust, regulate (generally used for settings or measurements)
• 調和する (Chōwa suru) - Harmonize, be in harmony (more general use of the concept of harmony)

合わせる

Romaji: awaseru
Kana: あわせる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3

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 be opposite;to face;to unite;to combine;to connect;to add up;to mix;to match;to overlap;to compare;to check with

Definition: Putting several things together.

Example Sentences - (合わせる) awaseru

See below some example sentences:

共稼ぎは夫婦の力を合わせることが大切です。

Kyōkasegi wa fuufu no chikara wo awaseru koto ga taisetsu desu

Dual income is important for couples to combine their strengths.

It is important to combine the power of the couple to make money.

• 共稼ぎ (kyoukasegi) - It means "work together" or "teamwork".
• 夫婦 (fuufu) - means "couple" or "husband and wife".
• 力 (chikara) - means "strength" or "power".
• 合わせる (awaseru) - means "to join" or "to unite".
• こと (koto) - It is a particle that indicates that the previous word is a noun and is being used as a direct or indirect object.
• 大切 (taisetsu) - It means "important" or "valuable".
• です (desu) - It is a toK3N that indicates that the sentence is a declaration or affirmation.

問い合わせることは大切です。

Toiawaseru koto wa taisetsu desu

It is important to ask questions and queries.

It is important to contact us.

• 問い合わせる - verb meaning "to ask a question" or "to make a query"
• こと - noun meaning "thing" or "subject"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "ask a question" or "make a query"
• 大切 - Adjective meaning "important" or "valuable".
• です - linking verb that indicates the polite and respectful way of expressing yourself in Japanese

文芸は芸術と文学を組み合わせたものです。

Bungei wa geijutsu to bungaku o kumiawaseta mono desu

Bungei is a combination of art and literature.

Literature is a combination of art and literature.

• 文芸 - literatura
• は - Topic particle, used to indicate the subject of the sentence.
• 芸術 - means "art" in Japanese.
• と - Connector particle, used to connect two words or phrases.
• 文学 - literatura
• を - Direct object pronoun, used to indicate the object of the action.
• 組み合わせた - verb that means "combine" or "join".
• もの - noun meaning "thing".
• です - verb "to be" in the present tense, used to indicate the state or condition.

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

私たちは力を合わせてこのプロジェクトを完成させます。

Watashitachi wa chikara o awasete kono purojekuto o kansei sasemasu

Let's join our forces to complete this project.

We will work together to complete this project.

• 私たちは - "We"
• 力を合わせて - "Joining forces"
• この - "This"
• プロジェクトを - "Project"
• 完成させます - "We will complete"