A1 Collocation Neutral 3 min read

よく会う

ja phrase 02407

often meet

Literally: often meet

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to describe seeing someone frequently in daily life.
  • Combines 'yoku' (often) with 'au' (to meet/encounter).
  • Works for both planned hangouts and accidental run-ins.

Meaning

This phrase is used to say that you see or hang out with someone frequently, whether by plan or by coincidence.

Key Examples

3 of 6
1

Talking about a neighbor

Tonari no hito to yoku au.

I often see my neighbor.

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2

Discussing a coworker in the breakroom

Kyuukeishitsu de Tanaka-san to yoku aimasu.

I often meet Mr. Tanaka in the breakroom.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
3

Texting a friend about a shared acquaintance

Saikin, kare to yoku au yo!

I've been seeing him a lot lately!

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🌍

Cultural Background

Acknowledging frequent meetings is a way to maintain social harmony (wa). Similar to 'Small world!' when running into someone. Frequency of contact is a universal metric for friendship.

💡

Subject Drop

In Japanese, you don't need to say 'I' or 'We'. Just say 'yoku au'.

💬

Small Talk

Use this to start a conversation with someone you recognize.

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to describe seeing someone frequently in daily life.
  • Combines 'yoku' (often) with 'au' (to meet/encounter).
  • Works for both planned hangouts and accidental run-ins.

What It Means

This phrase describes seeing someone frequently.

It covers both planned dates and random encounters.

It is like saying 'we cross paths often.'

It feels natural and very common in daily life.

Think of it as your social frequency indicator.

It implies a recurring presence in your life.

You are not just strangers anymore.

How To Use It

Grammar here is very simple and straightforward.

Just put the person's name before the phrase.

Use the particle to to connect the person.

For example, Sato-san to yoku au works perfectly.

You can use it for friends or colleagues.

It works for anyone you see on a regular basis.

Add masu at the end for more politeness.

Yoku aimasu sounds professional and very clean.

It is a very versatile and helpful expression.

You will hear it in offices and schools alike.

When To Use It

Use it when talking about your daily routine.

Tell your friends about a person you keep seeing.

It is great for small talk at a party.

'I often meet him at the local cafe.'

It builds a sense of familiarity with the listener.

Use it to describe your closest social connections.

It works well when explaining how you know someone.

'We often meet at the gym,' you might say.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this phrase for inanimate objects.

You cannot 'often meet' a favorite pair of shoes.

Use yoku tsukau for things you use often.

Avoid using it for very high-ranking officials.

In those cases, use the humble form o-ai suru.

Also, don't use it for people you dislike.

It usually implies a neutral or positive connection.

Don't say it to a stalker, obviously.

Keep it for your friendly and casual interactions.

Cultural Background

Japanese people value the concept of en or fate.

Meeting someone often suggests a strong karmic bond.

It is more than just a random coincidence.

It implies your lives are meant to be connected.

This gives the phrase a warm, slightly deep feeling.

It acknowledges the invisible threads between people.

Japanese culture finds beauty in these repeated encounters.

It is a sign of a blossoming relationship.

Even in a crowded city like Tokyo, it matters.

Seeing the same face feels like a small miracle.

Common Variations

You can change the frequency with other words.

Tama ni au means you meet only sometimes.

Saikin yoku au means you meet often lately.

If you just see them, use yoku mikakeru.

This means 'I often spot them' without talking.

Yoku aimasu ne is the polite version for strangers.

You can also say yoku asobu for close friends.

That means you 'often hang out' or play.

Usage Notes

This is a neutral collocation suitable for most daily situations. Use 'yoku aimasu' in polite company to avoid sounding too blunt.

💡

Subject Drop

In Japanese, you don't need to say 'I' or 'We'. Just say 'yoku au'.

💬

Small Talk

Use this to start a conversation with someone you recognize.

Examples

6
#1 Talking about a neighbor
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Tonari no hito to yoku au.

I often see my neighbor.

A common way to describe a familiar face in your building.

#2 Discussing a coworker in the breakroom
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Kyuukeishitsu de Tanaka-san to yoku aimasu.

I often meet Mr. Tanaka in the breakroom.

Uses the polite 'masu' form for a professional setting.

#3 Texting a friend about a shared acquaintance
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Saikin, kare to yoku au yo!

I've been seeing him a lot lately!

The 'yo' particle adds a conversational, informative tone.

#4 A humorous observation about a stray cat
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Kono neko to yoku au ne.

I run into this cat pretty often, huh.

Personifying the cat by using 'au' (meet) instead of 'miru' (see).

#5 Expressing happiness about seeing a partner
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

Kimi to yoku aetara ureshii.

I'd be happy if I could see you often.

Uses the potential form 'aetara' to express a wish.

#6 Talking about a gym buddy
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Jimu de yoku au tomodachi desu.

He's a friend I often meet at the gym.

Describes the relationship based on the location of the meetings.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

最近、彼と____。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: よく会う

Standard verb form.

Which is correct?

How to say 'I see my friend often'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 友達とよく会う

Use 'to' (with) for meeting.

Match the meaning.

よく会う

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: See often

Yoku means often.

Complete the dialogue.

A: 最近、よく会うね。 B: ____

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: そうですね

Agreeing with the observation.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Fill in the blank. Fill Blank A1

最近、彼と____。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: よく会う

Standard verb form.

Which is correct? Choose A1

How to say 'I see my friend often'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 友達とよく会う

Use 'to' (with) for meeting.

Match the meaning. Match A1

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: See often

Yoku means often.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion A2

A: 最近、よく会うね。 B: ____

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: そうですね

Agreeing with the observation.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

6 questions

Yes, but 'お目にかかります' is safer.

No, it works for anyone.

Use '会いました'.

Not necessarily.

No, only people.

It is neutral.

Related Phrases

🔄

顔を合わせる

synonym

To see someone's face

🔗

頻繁に

similar

Frequently

🔗

また会う

builds on

Meet again

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