Translation and Meaning of: 迎える - mukaeru

The Japanese word 「迎える」 (mukaeru) is a verb that means "to receive," "to welcome," or "to greet." This term is widely used in the Japanese language to describe the action of receiving or greeting someone in different contexts, whether it's a formal visit, a social event, or the arrival of a guest at home. The use of the verb conveys a sense of hospitality and respect, qualities that are valued in Japanese culture.

Etymologically, the verb 「迎える」 is composed of two kanji: 「迎」(mu), which represents "to meet," "to go to meet," and the grammatical particle 「える」 (eru), which is a common verbal form in Japanese that transforms nouns and roots into verbs. The kanji 「迎」 has as its main radicals "辶" which symbolizes movement or progress, and "卯" which indicates a container, suggesting the act of moving forward to receive something or someone.

The origin of the term dates back to the custom of going to meet someone who arrives, a practice especially significant in various Japanese celebrations and ceremonies. The tradition of "mukaeru" reflects the importance of showing appreciation and cordiality to visitors, a practice deeply rooted in Japan's social behavior. Furthermore, its use is not limited to face-to-face interactions but can also denote preparation for a special event or occasion.

In addition to its conventional use, 「迎える」 can be found in various Japanese expressions, such as 「新年を迎える」 (shinnen wo mukaeru), which means "to receive the New Year," or 「春を迎える」 (haru wo mukaeru), referring to "welcoming spring." These variations demonstrate the flexibility of the term in adapting to different contexts, reflecting both its literal meaning and the cultural symbolism surrounding it.

Vocabulary

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Verb conjugation of 迎える

• 迎える - dictionary form
• 迎えました - past
• 迎えます - present/future
• 迎えています - Present Continuous
• 迎えない - negative

Synonyms and similar words

• 迎える (mukaeru) - To receive, to find someone who arrives.
• 出迎える (demukaeru) - Welcome (someone arriving) at a specific place, usually at a station or airport.
• 迎接する (geisetsu suru) - Receive with courtesy; the act of welcoming someone in a respectful manner.
• 迎合する (geigou suru) - To adapt or agree with someone or something; often seen as a form of flattery.
• 迎撃する (geigeki suru) - Intercept or confront an attack; used in military contexts.

迎える

Romaji: mukaeru
Kana: むかえる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: go out to meet; accept as a member of a group or family

Meaning in English: to go out to meet;to accept as a member of a group or family

Definition: Welcome. wait. Visit. celebrate.

Example Sentences - (迎える) mukaeru

See below some example sentences:

彼女は空港で私を出迎える予定です。

Kanojo wa kuukou de watashi wo demukaeru yotei desu

She has plans to meet me at the airport.

She will meet me at the airport.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 空港 (kūkō) - aeroporto
• で (de) - Location particle
• 私 (watashi) - I
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 出迎える (demukaeru) - receive, find
• 予定 (yotei) - plan, schedule
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

新しい未来を迎える。

Atarashii mirai wo mukaeru

Receive a new future.

A new future.

• 新しい (Atarashii) - new
• 未来 (Mirai) - future
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 迎える (Mukaeru) - receber, acolher

彼女を迎えに行きます。

Kanojo wo mukae ni ikimasu

I will pick her up.

I will pick myself.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - significa "namorada" em japonês
• を (wo) - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 迎え (mukae) - The verb that means "to seek" or "to receive" in Japanese is "受ける" (うける).
• に (ni) - destination particle in Japanese
• 行きます (ikimasu) - The verb that means "to go" in Japanese, conjugated in the present tense is "行く" (iku).

彼女は空港で私を出迎えてくれた。

Kanojo wa kuukou de watashi wo demukae te kureta

She received me at the airport.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 空港 (kūkō) - aeroporto
• で (de) - Location particle
• 私 (watashi) - I
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 出迎えてくれた (demukaetekureta) - received me