出会う

§ Don't confuse it with "Au" (会う)

Many learners get confused between 出会う (deau) and 会う (au). While both mean 'to meet,' they have different nuances. 会う is a general term for meeting someone, whether planned or unplanned, formal or informal. Think of it as a neutral 'meet.' 出会う, on the other hand, often implies a more significant or chance encounter, especially with a person you might have a special relationship with, like a partner, or encountering something new for the first time.

DEFINITION

会う (au): To meet (general, neutral).

DEFINITION

出会う (deau): To meet; to encounter (often by chance, with significance, or a new experience).

§ Incorrect particle usage

Another common error is using the wrong particle with 出会う. While 会う typically uses the particle と (to) when meeting a person (e.g., 友達と会う - to meet with a friend), 出会う often uses に (ni) or と (to), depending on the nuance. When referring to a specific place where you encounter something, use に. When emphasizing the person or thing you encountered, と can be used, similar to 会う, but 出会う often implies a more significant or unplanned meeting.

• **When meeting a person:** Both に and と can be used, but に often highlights the location or circumstances of the encounter, while と focuses on the person.
• **When encountering a situation, object, or concept:** に is more commonly used.

§ Overusing it in casual conversation

Because 出会う carries a sense of significance or destiny, it can sound a bit dramatic if used for everyday, casual meetings. Imagine saying in English, "I encountered my friend at the coffee shop today." It's not wrong, but it sounds a bit formal or overly poetic for a simple meeting. The same applies to 出会う in Japanese. For routine meetings, stick with 会う.

§ Understanding 出会う (deau)

The Japanese verb 出会う (deau) is commonly translated as 'to meet' or 'to encounter'. However, it carries a specific nuance that differentiates it from other verbs meaning 'to meet' in Japanese. It often implies a somewhat coincidental or fated meeting, or encountering something for the first time.

Japanese Word

出会う (deau)

Meaning

To meet; to encounter (e.g., a partner, a new challenge, a rare event). Often implies a somewhat serendipitous or significant meeting.

CEFR Level

B1

§ Examples of 出会う in Sentences

Kinō, kafe de gūzen deatta hito to hanashimashita. (Yesterday, I talked to a person I met coincidentally at a café.)

Kare wa unmei no hito ni deatta to shinjite iru. (He believes he met his fated person/soulmate.)

Tabisaki de subarashii keshiki ni deau koto ga dekita. (I was able to encounter wonderful scenery during my trip.)

§ Similar words and when to use 出会う vs alternatives

When learning Japanese, you'll come across several words that can be translated as 'to meet'. It's important to understand their differences to use them correctly.

• 会う (au)

This is the most general and common verb for 'to meet'. It simply means to meet someone, often by arrangement or intent. It doesn't carry the same nuance of coincidence or significance as 出会う.

Tomodachi ni au yakusoku ga arimasu. (I have a promise to meet a friend.)

You would use 会う for planned meetings, like meeting a friend for coffee or a business associate for a meeting. It's a neutral term.

• 遭遇する (sōgū suru)

遭遇する also means 'to encounter' but often implies an unexpected, usually negative or surprising, encounter. It can be used for encountering difficulties, dangers, or even rare animals in the wild. It has a more dramatic or impactful feel than 出会う.

Mori no naka de kuma ni sōgū shita. (I encountered a bear in the forest.)

While both 出会う and 遭遇する can mean 'to encounter', 遭遇する often suggests a more intense or possibly dangerous encounter. Think 'confront' or 'come face to face with'.

• 巡り合う (meguriau)

This verb is very close in meaning to 出会う, and also carries a strong sense of fated or destined meeting, often after a long journey or search. It emphasizes the cyclical nature of fate or the idea of coming across something or someone important at the right time. It's often used in literature or romantic contexts.

Nagai tabi no owari ni, tsui ni kare wa shin no ai ni meguriatta. (At the end of a long journey, he finally met his true love.)