Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn 揃う (sorou). It means things are all together. Like, all your friends are at your house for a party! Or, all your crayons are in the box. You can say 'Everyone is here!' using this word. It's a happy word when things are complete.
Sorou is a verb that means 'to be gathered' or 'to be complete'. Imagine you are preparing for a picnic. When you have all the food, drinks, and blankets, you can say they 揃った (sorotta - are ready/gathered). It's used when a group of people comes together, or when you have all the items you need for something.
The verb sorou signifies that all necessary elements are present, leading to a state of completeness or readiness. You'll often hear it when people are gathering for an event – 皆が揃った (mina ga sorotta) means 'everyone has arrived/gathered'. It can also apply to objects; if you're collecting items for a project and you have them all, you can say the items 揃った. This implies a satisfying conclusion to the gathering or collection process.
Sorou conveys the sense of completion, assembly, or being fully prepared. It's a versatile intransitive verb. For instance, in a business context, if all team members have arrived for a crucial meeting, you'd say the team 揃った. Beyond people, it applies to objects: a complete set of tools 揃っている (sorotte iru) means they are all available and ready for use. The nuance often implies that conditions are now favorable for the next step.
The Japanese verb sorou denotes a state of completeness, assembly, or readiness, often implying that all requisite conditions have been met. It functions intransitively, focusing on the state of the subject. For example, when a family reunion is planned, the phrase 家族が揃った (kazoku ga sorotta) signifies that all family members have successfully gathered. In a more abstract sense, it can refer to the availability of all necessary resources or information, such as when all documents for a proposal are 揃った, indicating the proposal is ready for review.
Sorou encapsulates the concept of achieving a state of totality, alignment, or readiness, often with an underlying implication of successful orchestration or natural convergence. Its intransitive nature emphasizes the resultant state rather than the action of bringing things together. Consider its use in describing a perfectly matched set: 着物と帯が揃った (kimono to obi ga sorotta) implies not just that the kimono and obi are present, but that they are a harmonious and complete ensemble. Historically, the character 揃 itself suggests alignment and order, reflecting the verb's core meaning of everything being in its right place and ready for purpose.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Means 'to be complete', 'to be gathered', or 'all present'.
- Used for people arriving, items being collected, or conditions being met.
- It's an intransitive verb (describes a state).
- Distinguish from 揃える (soroeru - to gather something).
Hey there! Let's dive into the awesome Japanese verb 揃う (sorou). This word is super useful and pops up in many different situations. At its heart, sorou means that things are all together, complete, or in their proper place. Think of it as a feeling of everything being just right and ready!
You can use sorou when people gather for an event, like everyone showing up for a meeting. It's also used when you've collected all the items you need for a project, or when all the conditions are met for something to proceed. It carries a sense of completion and order, making it a really versatile word in your Japanese vocabulary toolkit.
The verb 揃う (sorou) comes from the kanji 揃, which itself is a combination of two radicals. The left side, ⺮ (kusa-kanmuri), is a variant of the radical for bamboo, often used in characters related to writing or categorization. The right side, 且 (kore), is a phonetic component and also has meanings related to 'offering' or 'presenting'.
Together, the character 揃 originally depicted bamboo slips being arranged or aligned, suggesting order and completeness. Over time, the meaning evolved to encompass the idea of things being gathered together, matched, or in full supply. This sense of alignment and presence is what gives us the modern usage of sorou, indicating that a set of items or individuals is complete and ready.
Sorou is a fantastic verb to use when you want to express that a group has assembled or that a set of items is complete. For example, you might say everyone has 揃った (sorotta - the past tense) for a party, meaning they've all arrived. Or, you could say your collection of stamps is 揃った if you've finally found all the ones you were looking for.
It's also common to hear sorou in contexts related to preparation. If all the ingredients for a recipe are gathered, you can say they are 揃っている (sorotte iru - are gathered/present). This implies readiness. In more formal settings, it can even mean that conditions are met, like when all the necessary documents have been submitted and are 揃った for approval.
While sorou itself is quite direct, it appears in phrases that add nuance. Here are a few:
- 一通り揃う (hitotōri sorou): This means to have everything necessary or to be complete in a general sense. Example: この店では、旅行に必要なものは一通り揃います。(Kono mise de wa, ryokō ni hitsuyō na mono wa hitotōri soroimasu.) - In this shop, you can find most things needed for travel.
- 品数が多い (shinakazu ga ooi) - Though not using sorou directly, it relates to the idea of a large selection being available, implying completeness.
- 万全を期す (banzen o kisu): This idiom means to make thorough preparations, ensuring everything is in order. It's about making sure all bases are covered, which aligns with the spirit of sorou. Example: 試験のために万全を期しました。(Shiken no tame ni banzen o kishimashita.) - I made thorough preparations for the exam.
- 道具が揃う (dōgu ga sorou): Literally 'tools are gathered', meaning all the necessary tools are available. Example: 料理をするには、道具がちゃんと揃っています。(Ryōri o suru ni wa, dōgu ga chanto sorotte imasu.) - The tools are all properly available for cooking.
Sorou is an intransitive verb, meaning it describes a state or action that happens by itself or to the subject, without a direct object. For example, 'The books are here' (本が揃った - hon ga sorotta), not 'I gathered the books' (which would use a transitive verb like 揃える - soroeru).
Pronunciation is straightforward: so-rou. In Japanese, vowels are generally pure and short. The 'o' sound is like the 'o' in 'go', and the 'u' sound is like the 'oo' in 'moon'. There's no strong stress on any particular syllable like in English; it's more of a flat, even rhythm.
Common grammatical forms include:
- 揃う (sorou): Dictionary form (present affirmative)
- 揃わない (sorowanai): Present negative
- 揃った (sorotta): Past affirmative
- 揃わなかった (sorowanakatta): Past negative
- 揃っている (sorotte iru): Present continuous/state (are gathered/complete)
- 揃えて (soroete): Te-form, used for connecting clauses or requests.
Fun Fact
The character 揃 originally depicted bamboo slips used for writing or record-keeping, emphasizing the idea of order and completeness.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'so-ROH', with a slight roll on the 'r' and a long 'o' sound at the end.
Sounds like 'so-ROH', similar to British, perhaps with a slightly more distinct 'o' sound.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'u' sound too short, making it sound like 'soro'.
- Adding an English 'r' sound instead of the Japanese tapped 'r'.
- Putting stress on the first syllable instead of a more even rhythm.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to understand in context.
Relatively straightforward to use correctly.
Commonly used in everyday conversation.
Easily recognizable when heard.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Intransitive vs. Transitive Verbs
揃う (intransitive) vs. 揃える (transitive)
Using the Te-form for Requests/Suggestions
揃えて、行きましょう。(Soroete, ikimashō. - Let's gather and go.)
Using ～次第 (shidai) for 'as soon as'
準備が揃い次第、出発します。(Junbi ga soroi shidai, shuppatsu shimasu.)
Examples by Level
友達が揃った。
friends / gathered.
Noun + が + Verb
おもちゃが揃った。
Subject marker が
みんな揃った。
everyone / gathered.
Pronoun + Verb
本が揃った。
books / gathered.
Plural implied
靴が揃った。
shoes / gathered.
Pair implied
鉛筆が揃った。
pencils / gathered.
Multiple items
人が揃った。
people / gathered.
General term for people
道具が揃った。
tools / gathered.
Tools for a task
会議の準備が整いました。
meeting / preparations / are complete.
Using 整いました (整う - another similar verb)
必要な書類がすべて揃いました。
necessary / documents / all / are complete.
Using すべて (all)
参加者はもう揃っていますか？
participants / already / are gathered?
Question form
このセットは部品が揃っています。
this / set / parts / are complete.
Referring to a set
みんな揃って出発しましょう。
everyone / gathered / let's depart.
Using Te-form for suggestion
彼のコレクションはついに揃った。
his / collection / finally / is complete.
Past tense
食料品が全部揃ったので、料理ができます。
groceries / all / are complete / so / cooking / can do.
Cause and effect
この店では、必要なものが何でも揃います。
this / shop / necessary things / anything / are available.
General availability
卒業式には、ほとんどの同級生が揃った。
graduation ceremony / most / classmates / gathered.
Focus on a specific event
このキットには、組み立てに必要な部品がすべて揃っています。
this / kit / assembly / necessary / parts / all / are complete.
Describing contents of a kit
長年の夢だったコレクションが、ついに全部揃った。
many years' / dream / collection / finally / all / is complete.
Expressing achievement
会議を始める前に、全員が揃うのを待った。
meeting / start / before / everyone / gather / wait.
Waiting for completion
必要な資料が揃い次第、ご連絡いたします。
necessary / materials / once complete / contact / will do.
Conditional completion
この地域では、専門的な医療サービスが十分に揃っている。
this region / specialized / medical services / sufficiently / are available.
Availability of services
彼の知識は、この分野に関するあらゆる側面を網羅しており、まさに完璧に揃っていると言える。
his / knowledge / this field / regarding / all aspects / covers / truly / perfectly / complete / can say.
Figurative completeness
新しいプロジェクトを開始するには、チームメンバー全員の意見が揃う必要がある。
new / project / start / to / team members / all / opinions / align / need.
Alignment of opinions
新しい店舗のオープンに向けて、商品がすべて揃いました。
new / store / opening / towards / products / all / are complete.
Preparation for an event
このオーケストラは、世界中から最高の演奏家が集まり、まさに理想的な編成が揃っている。
this / orchestra / world / from / best musicians / gathered / truly / ideal / ensemble / is complete.
Ideal composition
事件の証拠がすべて揃ったため、警察はついに容疑者を逮捕した。
incident / evidence / all / gathered / because / police / finally / suspect / arrested.
Conditions met for action
彼のスピーチは、ユーモアと知性が絶妙に揃っており、聴衆を魅了した。
his / speech / humor / and / intellect / exquisitely / balanced / audience / captivated.
Balance of qualities
この研究所では、最新の研究に必要なあらゆる設備が揃っている。
this / research institute / latest / research / necessary / all equipment / is available.
Availability of advanced resources
長年の努力が実り、彼の描いた絵画はついに完璧な調和を揃えた。
many years' / effort / bore fruit / his / painted artworks / finally / perfect harmony / achieved.
Artistic harmony
この地域を活性化するためには、行政、企業、住民の協力が揃うことが不可欠だ。
this region / revitalize / to do / government / business / residents / cooperation / alignment / essential.
Cooperation of multiple parties
彼女のファッションセンスは、トレンドとクラシックが見事に揃っている。
her / fashion sense / trends / and / classic / wonderfully / balanced.
Blending of styles
その劇団は、才能ある俳優陣と斬新な演出が見事に揃い、観客を圧倒した。
that / theater company / talented / actors / and / innovative direction / wonderfully / aligned / audience / overwhelmed.
Synergy of artistic elements
長年の研究が実を結び、ついにこの難病に対する治療法が確立される見通しが揃った。
many years' / research / bore fruit / finally / this intractable disease / against / treatment method / established / prospects / are aligned.
Convergence of research findings
彼の小説は、緻密なプロットと深遠なテーマが見事に揃い、文学界に衝撃を与えた。
his / novel / meticulous plot / and / profound themes / exquisitely / balanced / literary world / shock / gave.
Literary merit
このプロジェクトの成功は、技術的な革新だけでなく、市場のニーズとの整合性が揃ったことにも起因する。
this / project's / success / technical innovation / not only / market needs / with / alignment / achieved / also / stems from.
Alignment with market demands
彼女のスピーチは、論理的な構成と感情的な訴求力が見事に揃っており、聴衆の心を掴んだ。
her / speech / logical structure / and / emotional appeal / wonderfully / balanced / audience's / hearts / captured.
Rhetorical balance
この古代遺跡の発掘調査により、当時の社会構造を理解するための決定的な証拠が揃った。
this / ancient ruins / excavation survey / by / that time's / social structure / understand / for / decisive evidence / is complete.
Accumulation of crucial evidence
彼の芸術的ビジョンは、伝統的な技法と現代的な感性が巧みに揃っており、独自のスタイルを確立している。
his / artistic vision / traditional techniques / and / modern sensibility / skillfully / balanced / unique style / established.
Fusion of styles
この都市計画は、持続可能性、利便性、そして美観が見事に揃っており、模範的な都市開発と言えるだろう。
this / urban planning / sustainability / convenience / and / aesthetics / wonderfully / balanced / exemplary / urban development / can say.
Holistic urban design
そのオペラは、作曲家の革新的な音楽、詩的な台本、そして卓越した演出が見事に揃い、不朽の名作となった。
that / opera / composer's / innovative music / poetic libretto / and / outstanding direction / exquisitely / aligned / immortal masterpiece / became.
Synthesis of artistic disciplines
長年の地質学的研究と最新のリモートセンシング技術が揃ったことで、この地域の地下資源に関する画期的な発見が可能になった。
many years' / geological research / and / latest remote sensing technology / aligned / because / this region's / underground resources / regarding / groundbreaking discovery / became possible.
Interdisciplinary convergence
彼の哲学は、古代の叡智と現代科学の知見が見事に揃い、人間存在の本質に迫る独自の体系を構築している。
his / philosophy / ancient wisdom / and / modern science's / insights / exquisitely / balanced / human existence / essence / approaches / unique system / constructs.
Philosophical synthesis
この歴史的文書群は、当時の政治的、経済的、社会的な状況を理解するための決定的な手がかりがすべて揃っており、学術的価値は計り知れない。
this / historical documents / group / that time's / political / economic / social / situations / understand / for / decisive clues / all / are complete / academic value / immeasurable.
Comprehensive historical evidence
彼女の指揮のもと、オーケストラは驚くべき一体感と表現力を揃え、聴衆を陶酔の渦に巻き込んだ。
her / under the baton / orchestra / astonishing unity / and / expressive power / achieved / audience / ecstasy / vortex / drew in.
Collective artistic achievement
この文学作品は、叙情的な散文と象徴的なイメージが見事に揃い、読者に深い感動を与える。
this / literary work / lyrical prose / and / symbolic imagery / exquisitely / balanced / readers / deep emotion / gives.
Lyrical and symbolic depth
この革新的な教育モデルは、理論的知識と実践的スキルの習得が見事に揃っており、次世代のリーダー育成に貢献するだろう。
this / innovative education model / theoretical knowledge / and / practical skills / acquisition / exquisitely / balanced / next generation / leader development / contribute.
Pedagogical balance
その建築物は、機能性と芸術性が完璧に揃い、周囲の景観と調和しながらも、独自の存在感を放っている。
that / architectural work / functionality / and / artistry / perfectly / balanced / surrounding landscape / with / harmony / while / unique presence / emits.
Architectural synthesis
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"一通り揃う (hitotōri sorou)"
To have everything necessary; to be complete in a general sense.
この店では、キャンプに必要なものは一通り揃います。(Kono mise de wa, kyanpu ni hitsuyō na mono wa hitotōri soroi masu.) - In this shop, you can find most things needed for camping.
neutral"万全を期す (banzen o kisu)"
To make thorough preparations, ensuring everything is in order; to cover all bases.
事故防止のため、万全を期して安全対策を講じた。(Jiko bōshi no tame, banzen o kishite anzen taisaku o kōjita.) - To prevent accidents, thorough safety measures were implemented.
formal"道具が揃う (dōgu ga sorou)"
All the necessary tools are available.
この工房では、本格的な木工の道具が揃っている。(Kono kōbō de wa, honkaku teki na mokkō no dōgu ga sorotte iru.) - This workshop has all the authentic woodworking tools.
neutral"条件が揃う (jōken ga sorou)"
All conditions are met or in place.
この事業を成功させるためには、有利な条件が揃っている。(Kono jigyō o seikō saseru tame ni wa, yūri na jōken ga sorotte iru.) - Favorable conditions are in place for this business to succeed.
neutral"仲間が揃う (nakama ga sorou)"
Companions or friends gather together.
久しぶりに昔の仲間が揃って、昔話に花を咲かせた。(Hisashiburi ni mukashi no nakama ga sorotte, mukashi banashi ni hana o sakaseta.) - Old friends gathered after a long time and reminisced about the past.
casual"息が揃う (iki ga sorou)"
To breathe in unison; to act in concert; to be in perfect agreement.
彼らは長年のコンビだけあって、息が揃っていた。(Karera wa naganen no konbi dake atte, iki ga sorotte ita.) - As they had been partners for many years, they were in perfect sync.
neutralEasily Confused
Both mean 'to gather'.
集まる is more general about people/things coming together. 揃う emphasizes that *all* necessary people/items are present and complete.
人々が集まった。(People gathered.) vs. 全員揃った。(Everyone has arrived/is complete.)
Very similar meaning of being in order or ready.
揃う focuses on completeness (all items/people are there). 整う often implies being neatly arranged, prepared, or conditions being perfectly met.
準備が揃った。(Preparations are complete - all items are here.) vs. 準備が整った。(Preparations are in order/perfectly arranged.)
Same root kanji and related meaning.
揃える is transitive (to gather/arrange *something*). 揃う is intransitive (things/people *are* gathered/complete).
私が本を揃えた。(I gathered the books.) vs. 本が揃った。(The books are gathered/complete.)
Can sometimes imply fullness or completeness.
満ちる means 'to be full' or 'to be filled', often with abstract concepts (potential, emotion, water). 揃う means 'to be gathered' or 'all present'.
可能性に満ちている。(Full of potential.) vs. 仲間が揃った。(Companions gathered.)
Sentence Patterns
Noun + が + 揃う
参加者が揃った。
Noun + は/も + 揃う
これで全部揃った。
Noun + が + 揃っている (state)
道具が揃っている。
Noun + が + 揃う + 次第/と
資料が揃い次第、連絡します。
Noun + が + 揃う + と
全員が揃うと、会議を始めます。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
8/10
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
揃う (sorou) is intransitive, meaning it describes a state of being complete or gathered, not the action of gathering. For the action of gathering, use the transitive verb 揃える (soroeru).
While both mean 'to gather', 揃う emphasizes completeness (everyone is here) and order, whereas 集まる is more general about people coming together, even if not all have arrived yet.
For abstract fullness or potential, 満ちる (michiru) is often more appropriate than 揃う.
The continuous form 揃っている (sorotte iru) is crucial for describing the state of being complete or gathered.
If you just need to state the presence of an item without implying it's part of a complete set or group, use ある (aru) or いる (iru). 揃う implies a sense of totality.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a grand hall where a feast is about to begin. All the guests (people), the food (items), and the decorations (things) are perfectly in place. Everything is 'sorou'!
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for 'sorou' when someone announces 'Everyone's here!' for a party, or when a shopkeeper says 'We have all the sizes you need.'
Cultural Insight
The emphasis on completeness and order in 揃う reflects a cultural value placed on harmony and preparedness in Japanese society.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: 揃う (sorou) is intransitive (state of being complete), 揃える (soroeru) is transitive (action of making complete).
Say It Right
Keep the rhythm even: so-ROU. Avoid stressing one syllable too much. The 'u' at the end is important!
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid using 揃う for actions you perform. Use 揃える instead!
Did You Know?
The kanji 揃 originally looked like bamboo slips arranged neatly, symbolizing order and completeness.
Study Smart
Create flashcards with sentences using 揃う for different situations: people gathering, items complete, conditions met. Mix them up!
Expand Your Set
Learn related words like 整う (totonou - to be in order) and 集まる (atsumaru - to gather) to grasp the nuances of 'completeness' and 'assembly'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'SO'und of 'ROU'nding up all your friends for a party – everyone is 'sorou'!
Visual Association
Picture a perfectly arranged set of nesting dolls, where each doll is present and fits snugly inside the next.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 揃う (sorou) in a sentence describing something you are waiting for to be complete today.
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: To align bamboo slips; to arrange in order.
Cultural Context
Generally neutral. The word itself doesn't carry strong cultural connotations beyond the value placed on order and completeness in Japanese society.
In English, we might use phrases like 'everyone's here,' 'it's all here,' 'complete set,' or 'ready to go.' The Japanese concept often carries a subtle feeling of harmony and readiness that can be hard to capture in a single English phrase.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At home/parties
- みんな揃ったよ！ (Minna sorotta yo! - Everyone's here!)
- おもちゃが全部揃った。(Omocha ga zenbu sorotta. - All the toys are together.)
- 家族が揃って食事をする。(Kazoku ga sorotte shokuji o suru. - The family gathers for a meal.)
Shopping/Stores
- 欲しいものが全部揃っていた。(Hoshii mono ga zenbu sorotte ita. - Everything I wanted was available.)
- このお店は品揃えが豊富で、何でも揃います。(Kono omise wa shinazoroe ga hōfu de, nandemo soroi masu. - This store has a wide selection and offers everything.)
- サイズが揃っていますか？(Saizu ga sorotte imasu ka? - Are all the sizes available?)
Work/Projects
- 必要な資料が揃いました。(Hitsuyō na shiryō ga soroi mashita. - The necessary documents are ready.)
- チームメンバーが全員揃ったので、会議を始めましょう。(Chīmu menbā ga zen'in sorotta node, kaigi o hajimemashō. - Since all team members have gathered, let's start the meeting.)
- 条件が揃えば、プロジェクトを開始できます。(Jōken ga soroeba, purojekuto o kaishi dekimasu. - If the conditions are met, we can start the project.)
Hobbies/Collections
- 長年の夢だったコレクションが、ついに揃った。(Nagane no yume datta korekushon ga, tsuini sorotta. - The collection I dreamed of for years is finally complete.)
- このキットは部品がすべて揃っている。(Kono kitto wa buhin ga subete sorotte iru. - All the parts for this kit are present.)
- 必要な道具が揃ったので、作業を始められる。(Hitsuyō na dōgu ga sorotta node, sagyō o hajimerareru. - Since the necessary tools are ready, I can start working.)
Conversation Starters
"今日はみんな揃ったね！どこか行きたいところある？"
"このキット、部品が全部揃っているか確認してくれる？"
"必要なものが全部揃ったら、すぐに始めよう。"
"長年の夢だったコレクションが、ついに揃ったんだ！"
"会議の前に、意見が揃うまで少し待とうか。"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time when you felt everything was perfectly '揃った' (complete/ready) in your life.
Write about a collection you have or wish to have, and how satisfying it would be when it's '揃った'.
Think about a project you're working on. What needs to '揃う' before you can finish it?
Describe a situation where people needed to '揃う' (gather) for an important event.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsBoth mean 'to gather'. 揃う emphasizes completeness – everyone or everything is present and accounted for. 集まる is more general about people or things coming together, even if not all have arrived yet.
No, 揃う is intransitive. It describes the state of things being gathered. If you are the one doing the gathering, use the transitive verb 揃える (soroeru).
揃っている is the continuous form and describes the state of being complete or gathered. For example, 'The ingredients are all here' (材料が揃っている).
No, it can refer to objects, conditions, or even abstract things like opinions or knowledge being complete or aligned.
Yes, they are very similar. 整う often implies being in good order, neat, or well-arranged, while 揃う focuses more on completeness and having all necessary items or people present.
You would use the transitive verb 揃える (soroeru). For example: 『私は道具を揃えました』(Watashi wa dōgu o soroemashita).
Yes, for example, 『皆の意見が揃った』(Minna no iken ga sorotta) means 'Everyone's opinions aligned/came together.'
Common antonyms include 欠ける (kakeru - to be missing) and ばらばら (barabara - scattered).
Test Yourself
おもちゃが ______。
The sentence is about toys being gathered or complete.
Which sentence best uses 揃う?
This sentence correctly uses 揃う to indicate that all friends have arrived.
「書類が揃った」 means the documents are incomplete.
「書類が揃った」 means the documents are complete or have all been gathered.
Word
Meaning
Matching phrases with their meanings.
The correct order is 'Since everyone gathered for the meeting, let's begin.'
このキットには必要な ______ がすべて ______。
The sentence means 'This kit has all the necessary parts.'
Which situation best describes the nuance of 揃う?
揃う implies completeness, like a complete collection.
The verb 揃う can be used transitively to mean 'to gather something'.
揃う is intransitive; the transitive form is 揃える (soroeru).
彼の哲学は、古代の叡智と現代科学の知見が見事に ______、独自の体系を構築している。
The sentence describes a philosophical system where ancient wisdom and modern science are perfectly balanced or aligned.
Word
Meaning
Matching idiomatic phrases with their meanings.
Score: /10
Summary
揃う brings a sense of satisfying completion, whether it's people arriving or all the pieces falling into place.
- Means 'to be complete', 'to be gathered', or 'all present'.
- Used for people arriving, items being collected, or conditions being met.
- It's an intransitive verb (describes a state).
- Distinguish from 揃える (soroeru - to gather something).
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a grand hall where a feast is about to begin. All the guests (people), the food (items), and the decorations (things) are perfectly in place. Everything is 'sorou'!
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for 'sorou' when someone announces 'Everyone's here!' for a party, or when a shopkeeper says 'We have all the sizes you need.'
Cultural Insight
The emphasis on completeness and order in 揃う reflects a cultural value placed on harmony and preparedness in Japanese society.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: 揃う (sorou) is intransitive (state of being complete), 揃える (soroeru) is transitive (action of making complete).
Example
家族全員が食卓に揃った。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More family words
還暦
B160th birthday (celebration of completing a 60-year cycle).
〜くらい
B1About; approximately; to the extent that.
認め合う
B1To recognize each other's worth; to acknowledge.
知人
B1Acquaintance.
顔見知り
A2Acquaintance; someone you know by sight.
甘える
B1To be spoiled, to fawn; to behave like a pampered child.
活発な
B1Active; lively; vigorous.
思春期
B1Adolescence; the period of transition from childhood to adulthood.
養子
B1Adopted child; a child taken into one's family by legal means.
養親
B2Adoptive parent.
