あう

When you're learning Japanese, you'll often encounter verbs that have multiple meanings, and あう is a great example of this. At the A2 level, understanding its core meaning of "to meet" is essential for everyday conversations.

Think about how you'd use "to meet" in English: meeting a friend, meeting someone new, meeting at a certain place. あう covers these common situations.

You'll frequently use it with people you are meeting, and it can also be used in contexts like things meeting expectations or things fitting together, but for now, focus on people.

Mastering this simple verb will greatly expand your ability to talk about social interactions in Japanese. Keep practicing its usage with different people and situations to solidify your understanding!

When using the verb あう (au) to mean "to meet," you will often see it paired with the particle に (ni). The particle に indicates the person you are meeting. For example, 友達に会う (tomodachi ni au) means "to meet a friend." You can also use the particle と (to) with あう (au) in certain situations, which also means "to meet." However, に (ni) tends to be used for a general meeting, whereas と (to) is often used when there is a mutual agreement or arrangement to meet, implying a more active interaction.

When using the verb あう (au) to mean "to meet," it's crucial to understand the nuances of particles. You'll typically use the particle に (ni) to indicate the person or thing you are meeting. For example, 友達にあう (tomodachi ni au) means "to meet a friend."

However, if the meeting is by chance or accidental, you might hear the particle と (to) used instead, though に is generally more common for planned or expected encounters. While あう primarily means "to meet," it can also convey the meaning of "to encounter" or "to come across." For instance, 偶然にあう (gūzen ni au) means "to meet by chance."