In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe a consistent weekly habit or social routine.
- Combines 'Maishu' (every week) with 'Au' (to meet).
- Implies a reliable, ongoing relationship or commitment.
Meaning
This phrase describes the habit of seeing someone once every week. It implies a regular, consistent schedule or a close relationship where you make time for each other weekly.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a best friend
親友と毎週会う。
I meet my best friend every week.
Explaining a lesson schedule
先生と毎週会います。
I meet my teacher every week.
Texting a suggestion to a partner
これから毎週会おうね！
Let's meet every week from now on!
Cultural Background
The 'Lesson Culture' (習い事) is huge. Many adults meet a teacher every week for decades, not just to learn, but for the social routine. In dating, meeting once a week is considered the 'standard' pace for a healthy, serious relationship in urban areas like Tokyo. Retirement communities often center around 'Salons' where elderly people meet weekly to prevent isolation. The concept of 'Shu-ichi' (once a week) is a common goal for health habits, like going to the gym or a sento (public bath).
Use the ~te iru form
If you are currently in the habit of meeting someone, say '{会|あ}っています' instead of '{会|あ}います'.
The 'Weekly' Commitment
In Japan, suggesting to meet 'every week' is a big deal. It implies you really like the person!
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe a consistent weekly habit or social routine.
- Combines 'Maishu' (every week) with 'Au' (to meet).
- Implies a reliable, ongoing relationship or commitment.
What It Means
This phrase is your bread and butter for routines. It simply means meeting someone every single week. It describes a consistent habit or a fixed schedule. Think of it as your "weekly ritual" phrase. It’s not just about a one-time event. It’s about the rhythm of your life. If you have a coffee date every Sunday, this is for you.
How To Use It
You put the person first, then the phrase. Use the particle と (with) or に (to/with). For example, 友だちと毎週会う means "I meet my friend every week." It’s a very flexible building block. You can change the verb ending to match your politeness level. You can also add a specific day. For instance, 土曜日に毎週会う means meeting every Saturday. It’s simple, direct, and very common in daily talk.
When To Use It
Use this when talking about your best friend. Use it for your weekly Japanese lesson. It’s perfect for describing a hobby group or a sports club. If you have a standing Friday night dinner, this is your phrase. It sounds reliable and steady. You might use it when telling a new acquaintance about your social life. It’s also great for texting a group chat to confirm a routine. It feels warm because it implies a strong connection.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you meet twice a week. That would be 週に二回. Don't use it for random, irregular hangouts. If you meet your boss, use the polite お会いします. 会う is a bit too casual for a CEO. Also, don't use it for inanimate objects. You don't "meet" a weekly pizza; you "eat" it! If you are going to a place rather than a person, use 通う (kayou). For example, you "attend" a gym, you don't "meet" it.
Cultural Background
In Japan, showing up every week is a sign of respect. It shows you value the relationship or the activity. Many people have 習い事 (naraigoto) or weekly lessons. This phrase captures that sense of rhythmic, disciplined social life. It’s the heartbeat of a stable friendship. Consistency is often more valued than intensity in Japanese culture. Meeting once a week for years is seen as a beautiful thing. It shows you are a まじめ (majime) or serious/reliable person.
Common Variations
If you want to be polite, say 毎週会います. If you are currently in the habit, say 毎週会っています. This implies the habit is ongoing right now. To suggest a weekly meeting, try 毎週会おう！. For a past habit, use 毎週会っていた. If you want to say "every week without fail," add 必ず (kanarazu). Each variation keeps that "every week" core but changes the vibe. You can also swap 毎週 for 毎月 (every month) or 毎日 (every day).
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and widely applicable. Use `会います` for standard politeness and `会う` for friends. Avoid using it for business clients unless you use the humble form `お会いする`.
Use the ~te iru form
If you are currently in the habit of meeting someone, say '{会|あ}っています' instead of '{会|あ}います'.
The 'Weekly' Commitment
In Japan, suggesting to meet 'every week' is a big deal. It implies you really like the person!
Don't say 'miru'
Remember, '{毎週見|まいしゅうみ}る' means you are watching them like a TV show. Use '{会|あ}う'!
Examples
6親友と毎週会う。
I meet my best friend every week.
A simple statement of a close personal habit.
先生と毎週会います。
I meet my teacher every week.
Using the 'masu' form makes it polite for a teacher context.
これから毎週会おうね！
Let's meet every week from now on!
The 'ou' ending makes it a warm suggestion.
ジムの鏡と毎週会うのが日課です。
Meeting the gym mirror every week is my routine.
Treating an object like a person for comedic effect.
おばあちゃんと毎週会う時間は大切です。
The time I spend meeting my grandma every week is precious.
Expresses the emotional value of the routine.
私たちはここで毎週会うことになっています。
We are supposed to meet here every week.
Describes an established rule or agreement.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to say 'I meet my friend every week.'
{友達|ともだち}と（ ）{会|あ}います。
'Maishū' means every week. 'Mainichi' is every day, and 'Maitsuki' is every month.
Which sentence is the most natural for a current habit?
Choose the best option:
The '~te iru' form is used to describe ongoing habits or states.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {毎週|まいしゅう}{会|あ}えますか？ B: （ ）、{毎週|まいしゅう}{会|あ}いましょう！
'Ii desu yo' (That's fine/Sure) is the natural positive response to a suggestion.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to start a weekly study group.
'Benkyou shimashou' means 'let's study'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Who do you meet every week?
Social
- • Friends
- • Partner
- • Family
Learning
- • Teacher
- • Study Group
- • Coach
Practice Bank
4 exercises{友達|ともだち}と（ ）{会|あ}います。
'Maishū' means every week. 'Mainichi' is every day, and 'Maitsuki' is every month.
Choose the best option:
The '~te iru' form is used to describe ongoing habits or states.
A: {毎週|まいしゅう}{会|あ}えますか？ B: （ ）、{毎週|まいしゅう}{会|あ}いましょう！
'Ii desu yo' (That's fine/Sure) is the natural positive response to a suggestion.
You want to start a weekly study group.
'Benkyou shimashou' means 'let's study'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but '{毎週会議|まいしゅうかいぎ}をする' (to have a weekly meeting) is more specific.
It is neutral. It's fine in both casual and formal settings.
'Maishū' means 'every week'. 'Shū-ichi' means 'once a week'. They are often used interchangeably.
Usually no. You can just say 'Maishū au'.
Say '{毎週会|まいしゅうあ}いたいです' (Maishū aitai desu).
Yes, it works for Zoom or Skype calls too.
Both are okay, but 'Maishū au' is much more common.
Say '{週|しゅう}に{二回会|にかいあ}う' (Shū ni nikai au).
Not necessarily. It can be friends, family, or coworkers.
Say '{毎週会|まいしゅうあ}っていました' (Maishū atte imashita).
Related Phrases
{毎日会|まいにちあ}う
similarTo meet every day
{時々会|ときどきあ}う
contrastTo meet sometimes
{週一|しゅういち}で{会|あ}う
specialized formTo meet once a week
{久|ひさ}しぶりに{会|あ}う
contrastTo meet after a long time
