Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn 合わせる. It means to make things fit together or match. Like, you can 合わせる your shoes with your shirt. Or, you can 合わせる the time with a friend to play. It's like putting puzzle pieces together! You can 合わせる the volume of the TV so it's not too loud. It's a simple word for making things work together nicely. You will use this word a lot!
The verb 合わせる (awase-ru) is very useful! It means to make things match or fit together. For example, you might 合わせる your clothes so they look good. Or, if you want to meet a friend, you need to 合わせる your schedules, meaning you find a time that works for both of you. It can also mean to adjust something, like 合わせる the temperature of the room. Think of it as bringing two things into harmony or making them suitable for each other.
合わせる (awase-ru) is a core Japanese verb with several related meanings, primarily revolving around the concept of bringing things into alignment or harmony. Its most common uses include 'to match', 'to combine', and 'to fit'. For instance, you might 合わせる your watch with the official time, or 合わせる colors in your outfit. It's also frequently used when coordinating schedules: 時間を合わせる (jikan o awaseru) means to find a mutually convenient time. Furthermore, it can imply adjusting something to suit a purpose, like 音量を合わせる (onryō o awaseru) – adjusting the volume. Understanding these nuances will greatly enhance your ability to communicate about coordination and suitability.
The verb 合わせる (awase-ru) is a highly functional term in Japanese, extending beyond simple matching to encompass concepts of combination, adjustment, and alignment. Its semantic range allows for application in both concrete and abstract contexts. For example, 色を合わせる (iro o awaseru) refers to matching colors in fashion, while 意見を合わせる (iken o awaseru) signifies aligning one's opinions with others. The verb is crucial for expressing coordination, as seen in スケジュールを合わせる (sukejūru o awaseru) – coordinating schedules. It can also imply making something fit or conform, such as サイズを合わせる (saizu o awaseru) for adjusting size. Mastering 合わせる allows for more sophisticated expression of agreement, harmony, and practical adaptation.
合わせる (awase-ru) is a polysemous verb that serves as a linguistic cornerstone for expressing congruence, integration, and adaptation. Its core meaning involves bringing disparate elements into a state of mutual suitability or accord. This manifests in various ways: physical alignment (e.g., 目と目を合わせる - me to me o awaseru, to make eye contact), temporal synchronization (e.g., 時間を合わせる - jikan o awaseru, to synchronize times), and conceptual harmonization (e.g., 方針を合わせる - hōshin o awaseru, to align policies). The verb's causative nature, derived from 合う (au), implies an active process of establishing this harmony.
Context is paramount in deciphering the precise nuance of 合わせる. It can range from the mundane act of matching socks to the more complex social maneuver of 空気を合わせる (kūki o awaseru), meaning to conform to the prevailing mood. Its application in fields like project management (combining resources) or interpersonal communication (achieving consensus) highlights its broad utility. Understanding 合わせる is key to grasping subtle expressions of cooperation and conformity in Japanese discourse.
The verb 合わせる (awase-ru) represents a profound concept in Japanese linguistics, embodying the principle of achieving congruence across multiple dimensions – physical, temporal, conceptual, and social. Its etymological roots in the verb 合う (au), meaning 'to fit' or 'to be suitable', coupled with the causative suffix せる (-seru), underscore its function as an active facilitator of harmony and alignment. This verb transcends mere 'matching'; it denotes the deliberate act of bringing elements into a state where they complement, integrate, or conform effectively.
Consider its application in idiomatic expressions like 顔を合わせる (kao o awaseru), which, beyond a literal meeting, can carry connotations of confronting or reconciling. The phrase 調子を合わせる (chōshi o awaseru) speaks to the nuanced coordination required in collaborative endeavors, whether artistic or athletic. Furthermore, 合わせる is instrumental in expressing social cohesion, as in みんなの意見を合わせる (minna no iken o awaseru), signifying the effort to forge consensus. Its prevalence in technical contexts, such as synchronizing devices or aligning data, further demonstrates its adaptability. A deep understanding of 合わせる unlocks layers of meaning related to interdependence, social dynamics, and the fundamental human drive for order and compatibility.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 合わせる (awase-ru) is a versatile verb meaning 'to combine', 'to match', or 'to fit'.
- It implies actively making things suitable or harmonious.
- Common uses include coordinating schedules, matching appearances, and adjusting settings.
- Distinguish it from 合う (au), the intransitive form meaning 'to fit naturally'.
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese verb 合わせる (awase-ru). It's one of those verbs that pops up everywhere, and once you get the hang of it, your Japanese will sound so much more natural! Think of it as the ultimate 'bringing things together' verb. It can mean to combine things, like putting two ingredients together to make a new dish. It also means to match, like making sure your socks are the same color or that your outfit looks good. And it can even mean to fit or adjust something so it works perfectly, like adjusting the temperature or aligning two pieces of wood.
The core idea behind 合わせる is creating harmony or suitability. Whether you're syncing your watch with someone else's, aligning your opinions with a group, or simply making sure two things look good together, 合わせる is the word you'll reach for. It's a fundamental verb that helps you express coordination and agreement in so many different situations. So, get ready to master this versatile gem!
The verb 合わせる comes from the root word 合う (au), which means 'to fit' or 'to match'. The suffix せる (-seru) is often used to create causative verbs, meaning 'to make something happen'. So, literally, 合わせる means 'to make fit' or 'to make match'. This explains why it has such a broad range of meanings – it's about actively causing things to align or come together.
Historically, the concept of bringing things into accord or harmony has been important across many cultures, and Japanese is no exception. The kanji 合 itself depicts two pieces of material coming together, visually representing the idea of joining or fitting. Over centuries of use, 合わせる has evolved to cover everything from physical alignment to abstract agreement and combination. It's a testament to the language's ability to express nuanced relationships between objects and ideas through simple yet powerful verb constructions. Think about how many ways we 'make things fit' in English – 合わせる captures a similar breadth!
合わせる is incredibly versatile, showing up in countless everyday situations. You'll often hear it used when people are trying to coordinate plans. For example, 時間を合わせる (jikan o awaseru) means 'to match times' or 'to synchronize schedules'. When you're shopping, you might 色を合わせる (iro o awaseru), meaning 'to match colors'. In a more abstract sense, you can 意見を合わせる (iken o awaseru), which means 'to align opinions' or 'to agree with someone's view'.
It's also used for physical adjustments. If you need to サイズを合わせる (saizu o awaseru), you're 'adjusting the size'. When you're trying to make something fit perfectly, like a piece of furniture or a piece of clothing, you're using 合わせる. It's common to hear 音量を合わせる (onryō o awaseru) for 'adjusting the volume'. The key is that something is being brought into a state of suitability or harmony with something else. Remember, while it can mean 'to combine', it often implies making sure the combined elements *work well together*.
While 合わせる is a straightforward verb, it appears in some common phrases that add color to the language. Let's look at a few:
- 顔を合わせる (kao o awaseru): Literally 'to match faces', this idiom means 'to meet someone face-to-face', often implying a meeting after a long time or a potentially awkward encounter. Example: 長い間会えなかった友人とようやく顔を合わせた。(Nagai aida aenakatta yūjin to yōyaku kao o awaseta. - I finally met my friend whom I hadn't seen for a long time.)
- 調子を合わせる (chōshi o awaseru): This means 'to get in sync' or 'to match someone's rhythm or pace', often used in sports or music. Example: チームメイトの調子に合わせて走った。(Chīmu-meito no chōshi ni awasete hashitta. - I ran in sync with my teammate's pace.)
- 空気を合わせる (kūki o awaseru): Literally 'to match the air', this means 'to go along with the mood' or 'to fit in with the atmosphere' of a group. Example: その場の空気を読んで、彼も賛成した。(Sono ba no kūki o yonde, kare mo sansei shita. - Reading the room, he also agreed.)
- 目（め）を合（あ）わせる (me o awaseru): 'To make eye contact'. This is a very common and direct expression. Example: 恥ずかしくて、彼の目と合わせられなかった。(Hazukashikute, kare no me to awaserarenakatta. - I was too embarrassed to make eye contact with him.)
合わせる is a Group 2 verb (ichidan verb), which makes its conjugation quite regular and predictable. To form the past tense, you simply drop the final る (ru) and add た (ta), making it 合わせた (awaseta). For the negative form, drop る and add ない (nai) to get 合わせない (awase-nai). The potential form, meaning 'can match/combine', is made by changing る to られる (rareru), resulting in 合わせられる (awaserareru).
Pronunciation: The word is pronounced roughly as 'ah-wah-seh-roo'. Let's break it down: 'a' as in 'father', 'wa' as in 'water', 'se' as in 'set', and 'ru' is a light 'roo' sound, often with the tongue curled slightly back. The stress is fairly even across the syllables, without a strong emphasis on any single one.
IPA (Japanese): /a̠ɰa̠se̞ɾɯ̹ᵝ/
Rhyming words: While direct rhymes are less common in Japanese due to syllable structure, words ending in '-aseru' might have a similar feel, like 壊せる (kowaseru - can break) or 許せる (yuruseru - can forgive), though the preceding sounds differ.
Fun Fact
The kanji 合 (gou/a(u)) visually represents two pieces coming together, like lips or lids, symbolizing union or fitting.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'uh-WAH-seh-roo', with a slight emphasis on the second syllable.
Similar to UK, 'uh-WAH-seh-roo', with a clear 'ah' sound.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'r' sound too strongly, like in English 'r'. The Japanese 'r' is softer, often like a flick of the tongue.
- Adding an unnecessary vowel sound after 's' (e.g., 'sawase-ru'). It should be 'se'.
- Incorrect stress pattern; Japanese pronunciation is generally flatter than English.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Understanding the nuances requires context.
Choosing the right meaning and particle can be tricky.
Pronunciation and choosing the correct meaning in real-time.
Distinguishing between meanings based on context.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs
合う (intransitive) vs. 合わせる (transitive)
Causative Verb Formation
The -seru ending often indicates a causative verb like 合わせる.
Particles に and と with Verbs
合わせる often uses に or と to indicate what something is matched to.
Examples by Level
Let's 合わせる our watches.
Let's / match / our / watches.
合わせる is used here to mean 'match'.
Can we 合わせる the TV volume?
Can / we / adjust / the / TV / volume?
合わせる means 'adjust' here.
These shoes 合わせる my dress.
These / shoes / match / my / dress.
Used to say things match.
Let's 合わせる the time to meet.
Let's / match / the / time / to / meet.
Common phrase for scheduling.
Please 合わせる the chairs.
Please / align / the / chairs.
Means to put things in order.
I need to 合わせる my glasses.
I / need / to / adjust / my / glasses.
Adjusting for a better fit.
This color 合わせる well.
This / color / matches / well.
Describing good color combinations.
We should 合わせる our efforts.
We / should / combine / our / efforts.
Combining actions or ideas.
Can we 合わせる our meeting time to Friday afternoon?
Can / we / adjust / our / meeting / time / to / Friday / afternoon?
Used for scheduling adjustments.
These two colors 合わせる perfectly.
These / two / colors / match / perfectly.
Expressing a good color match.
I need to 合わせる the curtains to the window size.
I / need / to / adjust / the / curtains / to / the / window / size.
Adjusting something to fit.
Let's 合わせる our ideas for the project.
Let's / combine / our / ideas / for / the / project.
Combining thoughts or concepts.
He tried to 合わせる his pace with the group.
He / tried / to / match / his / pace / with / the / group.
Matching speed or rhythm.
We need to 合わせる the budget to the available funds.
We / need / to / adjust / the / budget / to / the / available / funds.
Making something conform to limitations.
She likes to 合わせる her accessories with her outfits.
She / likes / to / match / her / accessories / with / her / outfits.
Coordinating items.
Can you 合わせる the sound level?
Can / you / adjust / the / sound / level?
Adjusting volume or intensity.
We need to 合わせる our schedules to find a date for the conference.
We / need / to / synchronize / our / schedules / to / find / a / date / for / the / conference.
Common usage for coordinating appointments.
He tried to 合わせる his opinion with the group's consensus.
He / tried / to / align / his / opinion / with / the / group's / consensus.
Expressing agreement or conformity.
Please 合わせる the picture frame to the wall.
Please / adjust / the / picture / frame / to / fit / the / wall.
Making something fit spatially.
The chef carefully 合わせた the spices to create a unique flavor.
The / chef / carefully / combined / the / spices / to / create / a / unique / flavor.
Combining ingredients harmoniously.
It's important to 合わせる your actions with your words.
It's / important / to / align / your / actions / with / your / words.
Ensuring consistency between speech and behavior.
Could you 合わせる the lighting for the presentation?
Could / you / adjust / the / lighting / for / the / presentation?
Adjusting environmental conditions.
They decided to 合わせる their marketing strategies.
They / decided / to / combine / their / marketing / strategies.
Merging or coordinating plans.
Make sure to 合わせる the volume so everyone can hear.
Make / sure / to / adjust / the / volume / so / everyone / can / hear.
Ensuring audibility for a group.
We must 合わせる our long-term goals with the company's overall vision.
We / must / align / our / long-term / goals / with / the / company's / overall / vision.
Aligning abstract concepts like goals and vision.
The composer 合わせた the different instrumental parts to create a rich symphony.
The / composer / combined / the / different / instrumental / parts / to / create / a / rich / symphony.
Harmonizing complex elements.
It's crucial to 合わせる your personal finances with your budget.
It's / crucial / to / reconcile / your / personal / finances / with / your / budget.
Reconciling or matching financial records.
The diplomat worked to 合わせる the conflicting interests of the two nations.
The / diplomat / worked / to / harmonize / the / conflicting / interests / of / the / two / nations.
Mediating and aligning differing viewpoints.
She skillfully 合わせた her training regimen to her recovery needs.
She / skillfully / adapted / her / training / regimen / to / her / recovery / needs.
Adapting a plan based on specific circumstances.
Before launching, we need to 合わせる all the technical specifications.
Before / launching, / we / need / to / confirm / all / the / technical / specifications.
Ensuring all technical details are consistent and correct.
The team managed to 合わせる their individual strengths for the project's success.
The / team / managed / to / combine / their / individual / strengths / for / the / project's / success.
Leveraging individual talents collectively.
He found it difficult to 合わせる his natural artistic style with the client's commercial demands.
He / found / it / difficult / to / reconcile / his / natural / artistic / style / with / the / client's / commercial / demands.
Balancing personal expression with external requirements.
The architect sought to 合わせる the building's aesthetic with its functional requirements.
The / architect / sought / to / harmonize / the / building's / aesthetic / with / its / functional / requirements.
Integrating form and function.
Political factions often struggle to 合わせる their disparate agendas under a single coalition.
Political / factions / often / struggle / to / reconcile / their / disparate / agendas / under / a / single / coalition.
Reconciling conflicting political objectives.
She learned to 合わせる her expectations with the realities of the job market.
She / learned / to / adjust / her / expectations / with / the / realities / of / the / job / market.
Modifying personal outlook based on external factors.
The novel's narrative structure 合わせた the protagonist's fragmented memories.
The / novel's / narrative / structure / mirrored / the / protagonist's / fragmented / memories.
Using structure to reflect content.
In conflict resolution, it is vital to 合わせる the needs of all parties involved.
In / conflict / resolution, / it / is / vital / to / accommodate / the / needs / of / all / parties / involved.
Accommodating diverse requirements.
The company's R&D department must constantly 合わせる its innovations with evolving market trends.
The / company's / R&D / department / must / constantly / align / its / innovations / with / evolving / market / trends.
Ensuring innovation stays relevant to the market.
He struggled to 合わせる his scholarly pursuits with the demands of family life.
He / struggled / to / balance / his / scholarly / pursuits / with / the / demands / of / family / life.
Balancing competing life priorities.
The translation aimed to 合わせる the original text's tone and cultural nuances.
The / translation / aimed / to / capture / the / original / text's / tone / and / cultural / nuances.
Preserving original intent and feel in translation.
The historian meticulously 合わせた primary source accounts to construct a coherent narrative.
The / historian / meticulously / synthesized / primary / source / accounts / to / construct / a / coherent / narrative.
Synthesizing diverse sources into a unified whole.
Achieving societal harmony requires constantly 合わせる individual liberties with collective responsibilities.
Achieving / societal / harmony / requires / constantly / balancing / individual / liberties / with / collective / responsibilities.
The philosophical act of balancing rights and duties.
The play's innovative staging 合わせた Brechtian alienation techniques with absurdist drama.
The / play's / innovative / staging / integrated / Brechtian / alienation / techniques / with / absurdist / drama.
Integrating disparate artistic or theoretical frameworks.
Her research methodology involved 合わせる quantitative data with qualitative ethnographic observations.
Her / research / methodology / involved / integrating / quantitative / data / with / qualitative / ethnographic / observations.
Combining different types of research data.
The treaty aimed to 合わせる the sovereign interests of member states with the overarching goals of the international body.
The / treaty / aimed / to / reconcile / the / sovereign / interests / of / member / states / with / the / overarching / goals / of / the / international / body.
Reconciling national autonomy with supranational objectives.
He possessed a rare ability to 合わせる profound philosophical insight with practical, actionable advice.
He / possessed / a / rare / ability / to / synthesize / profound / philosophical / insight / with / practical, / actionable / advice.
Bridging abstract thought and concrete application.
The restoration process required 合わせる historical accuracy with modern safety standards.
The / restoration / process / required / integrating / historical / accuracy / with / modern / safety / standards.
Merging preservation with contemporary needs.
Her artistic practice is characterized by 合わせる traditional craftsmanship with digital innovation.
Her / artistic / practice / is / characterized / by / blending / traditional / craftsmanship / with / digital / innovation.
Fusing heritage techniques with cutting-edge technology.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"顔を合わせる (kao o awaseru)"
To meet someone face-to-face; to see someone's face.
しばらくぶりに友人と顔を合わせた。(Shibaraku buri ni yūjin to kao o awaseta. - I met my friend after a long time.)
neutral"目（め）を合（あ）わせる (me o awaseru)"
To make eye contact.
恥ずかしいので、彼の目と合わせられなかった。(Hazukashii node, kare no me to awaserarenakatta. - Because I was embarrassed, I couldn't make eye contact with him.)
neutral"調子を合わせる (chōshi o awaseru)"
To get in sync; to match someone's rhythm or pace.
合唱の練習で、皆で声の調子を合わせた。(Gasshō no renshū de, minna de koe no chōshi o awaseta. - In choir practice, everyone matched their vocal tones.)
neutral"空気を合わせる (kūki o awaseru)"
To go along with the mood or atmosphere; to fit in.
その場の空気を読んで、彼は無理に笑った。(Sono ba no kūki o yonde, kare wa muri ni waratta. - Reading the room, he forced a smile.)
neutral"手間を合わせる (tema o awaseru)"
To coordinate efforts or tasks, often implying a shared workload.
この作業は皆で手間を合わせて進めましょう。(Kono sagyō wa minna de tema o awasete susumemashō. - Let's all coordinate our efforts to proceed with this task.)
neutral"足並みを合わせる (ashinami o awaseru)"
To keep pace with others; to march in step; to act in unison.
会社の指示に従い、足並みを合わせて進める必要がある。(Kaisha no shiji ni shitagai, ashinami o awasete susumeru hitsuyō ga aru. - Following the company's instructions, it is necessary to proceed in unison.)
neutralEasily Confused
Both relate to fitting or matching.
合う is intransitive (things fit/match naturally). 合わせる is transitive (someone makes things fit/match).
この服は私に合う。(Kono fuku wa watashi ni au. - These clothes fit me.) vs. この服を私に合わせる。(Kono fuku o watashi ni awaseru. - Make these clothes fit me.)
Both can mean 'to make uniform' or 'match'.
揃える often implies making multiple items identical or neat (like matching socks). 合わせる is broader, focusing on suitability or harmony between different things.
靴下を揃える。(Kutsushita o soroeru. - To make socks match.) vs. ネクタイをスーツに合わせる。(Nekutai o sūtsu ni awaseru. - To match the tie to the suit.)
Both relate to harmony.
調和する specifically means 'to harmonize' or 'be in harmony', often used for abstract concepts like music, relationships, or environments. 合わせる is more about the action of *making* things harmonious or suitable.
音楽と映像が調和している。(Ongaku to eizō ga chōwa shite iru. - The music and visuals are in harmony.) vs. 音量を音楽に合わせる。(Onryō o ongaku ni awaseru. - Adjust the volume to match the music.)
Both can mean 'to combine'.
統合する specifically means 'to integrate' or 'unify' separate entities into one whole, often used in business or systems. 合わせる is more about making things fit together or match.
二つの会社を統合する。(Futatsu no kaisha o tōgō suru. - To integrate the two companies.) vs. 二つの計画を合わせる。(Futatsu no keikaku o awaseru. - To align/coordinate the two plans.)
Sentence Patterns
Noun + を + 合わせる
時計の針を合わせる。(Tokei no hari o awaseru. - To set the clock hands.)
Noun + を + Noun + に + 合わせる
彼の意見に自分の意見を合わせた。(Kare no iken ni jibun no iken o awaseta. - I aligned my opinion with his.)
Noun + を + Verb (dictionary form) + 合わせる
サイズを測って合わせる。(Saizu o hakatte awaseru. - Measure and adjust the size.)
Noun + を + Noun + と + 合わせる
このデータと元の記録を合わせた。(Kono dēta to moto no kiroku o awaseta. - I matched this data with the original record.)
Potential Form: Verb + られる (e.g., 合わせられる)
このペンは他のペンと合わせられない。(Kono pen wa hoka no pen to awaserarenai. - This pen cannot be combined/matched with other pens.)
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
8/10
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
While 合わせる can mean 'to make fit', the simpler verb 合う (au) is used when something inherently fits or doesn't fit.
合う is intransitive (something fits by itself), while 合わせる is transitive (someone makes something fit).
合わせる implies making things suitable or harmonious when combined, not just physically joining them.
While 顔を合わせる means 'to meet', the basic verb 会う (au) is sufficient for general meetings.
Remember 合わせる is an ichidan verb, so potential is 合わせられる (awaserareru), passive is 合わせられる (awaserareru), causative is 合わせさせる (awasesaseru).
Tips
The 'A-WASH-ER' Trick
Imagine you're using a special 'A-WASH-ER' machine to make all your clothes perfectly match before you wear them. The 'a-wash-er' helps you 合わせる (awaseru) your outfits!
Think 'Harmony' or 'Suitability'
When you're unsure, ask yourself: 'Am I making these things fit together well?' or 'Am I making this suitable for that?' If yes, 合わせる is likely the word.
The Importance of Coordination
Japanese culture often values harmony and smooth coordination. 合わせる reflects this by enabling speakers to express how things align or fit together, which is key in social and professional settings.
Transitive vs. Intransitive
Remember: 合わせる (awaseru) is transitive (you *make* things match), while 合う (au) is intransitive (things *do* match). This is a crucial distinction!
Soft 'R' is Key
Practice the Japanese 'r' sound – it's like a quick flick of the tongue against the roof of your mouth, not the hard English 'r'. Aim for 'ah-wah-seh-roo'.
Don't Forget the Particle!
When using 合わせる to mean 'match X *to* Y' or 'align X *with* Y', you'll often use particles like を (o) for the object being matched and に (ni) or と (to) for the target it's matched with (e.g., 時間を相手に合わせる - jikan o aite ni awaseru).
Kanji Clues
Look at the kanji 合! It visually suggests two things coming together, like lips or lids. This helps remember the core meaning of fitting or joining.
Create Your Own Scenarios
Think about your daily routine. How can you use 合わせる? 'I need to 合わせる my commute time to avoid traffic.' 'I will 合わせる my outfit for the meeting.' Write these down!
Context is King
Pay attention to the particles used with 合わせる (like を, に, と) and the surrounding words. This will tell you whether it means 'combine', 'match', 'adjust', or 'align'.
Flashcard Power
Make flashcards with 合わせる on one side and its various meanings ('combine', 'match', 'fit', 'adjust') and example sentences on the other. Test yourself regularly!
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine 'a wash' of colors that you '合わせる' (awaseru) to make your outfit look good. Or, think of 'a boss' (a-bo-su) telling people to '合わせる' their work schedules.
Visual Association
Picture two puzzle pieces clicking perfectly together, or a tailor adjusting a suit to fit someone perfectly.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 合わせる three times today in different contexts: once for scheduling, once for matching items, and once for adjusting something.
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: To make fit, to make match (causative of 合う - au)
Cultural Context
Generally no specific cultural sensitivity, but using it to imply forcing someone to agree (意見を合わせる) can sometimes be perceived negatively if done insincerely.
In English-speaking cultures, the concepts of 'matching', 'combining', and 'fitting' are expressed through many different verbs depending on context (e.g., combine, integrate, align, adjust, coordinate, harmonize). Japanese often uses 合わせる for a wider range of these.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Scheduling Meetings
- 時間を合わせましょう。(Jikan o awasemashō. - Let's set the time.)
- 都合の良い時間を教えてください。(Tsugō no yoi jikan o oshiete kudasai. - Please tell me a convenient time.)
- 皆のスケジュールを合わせる必要があります。(Minna no sukejūru o awaseru hitsuyō ga arimasu. - We need to coordinate everyone's schedules.)
Fashion and Appearance
- 服の色を合わせる。(Fuku no iro o awaseru. - To match the color of clothes.)
- アクセサリーをコーディネートに合わせる。(Akusesarī o kōdinēto ni awaseru. - To match accessories with an outfit.)
- 髪型を顔の形に合わせる。(Kamigata o kao no katachi ni awaseru. - To style hair to suit face shape.)
Adjusting Settings
- テレビの音量を合わせる。(Terebi no onryō o awaseru. - To adjust the TV volume.)
- エアコンの温度を合わせる。(Eakon no ondo o awaseru. - To set the air conditioner temperature.)
- 椅子の高さを合わせる。(Isu no takasa o awaseru. - To adjust the chair height.)
Teamwork and Cooperation
- チームの目標に合わせる。(Chīmu no mokuhyō ni awaseru. - To align with the team's goals.)
- 皆で足並みを合わせる。(Minna de ashinami o awaseru. - Everyone to march in step / act in unison.)
- 相手のペースに合わせる。(Aite no pēsu ni awaseru. - To match the other person's pace.)
Conversation Starters
"What time works best for you? Let's 合わせる our schedules."
"Do these colors 合わせる well together?"
"How do you 合わせる your work life and personal life?"
"When you buy clothes, do you focus on 合わせる the style or the comfort?"
"What's the most important thing when you try to 合わせる opinions with others?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you had to 合わせる your plans with someone else's. What was the outcome?
Think about an outfit you own. How do you 合わせる the different pieces to create a look?
How important is it for you to 合わせる your actions with your words? Give an example.
Reflect on a situation where you needed to adjust (合わせる) your expectations to reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions合う (au) is intransitive, meaning something fits or matches on its own (e.g., 'The clothes fit me'). 合わせる (awaseru) is transitive, meaning someone makes something fit or match (e.g., 'I adjusted the clothes to fit me').
Yes, absolutely! You can 合わせる opinions (意見を合わせる), strategies (戦略を合わせる), or goals (目標を合わせる) to mean aligning or harmonizing them.
Yes, it's used for things like synchronizing clocks (時計を合わせる), matching specifications (仕様を合わせる), or aligning data (データを合わせる).
Literally 'to match faces', it means to meet someone face-to-face. It can sometimes imply a meeting that might be awkward or significant, especially if you haven't seen them in a while.
While 合わせる can imply combining, it often focuses on the resulting harmony or suitability. For simple combination, verbs like 結合する (ketsugō suru) or 混ぜる (mazeru - to mix) might be used depending on context.
Its multiple meanings can seem daunting, but the core idea of 'making things fit or match' is consistent. Learning its common collocations will help you master its usage.
Yes, you can 合わせる the volume (音量を合わせる) or even 合わせる the tempo (テンポを合わせる) to match something else.
It depends on the specific meaning. For 'combining', 分ける (wakeru - to divide) is an opposite. For 'aligning', ずらす (zurasu - to shift) or ばらばらにする (barabara ni suru - to scatter) could be opposites.
Test Yourself
We need to ______ the time to meet.
合わせる is used here to mean 'match' or 'coordinate' times.
Which sentence best uses 合わせる?
This sentence uses 合わせる to mean 'match' accessories with an outfit.
合わせる can mean 'to adjust the volume of something'.
Yes, 音量を合わせる (onryō o awaseru) means to adjust the volume.
Word
Meaning
These are common collocations with 合わせる.
The correct sentence is 'We must align our goals with the company's.'
The diplomat tried to ______ the conflicting interests of the two nations.
合わせる can mean 'to reconcile' or 'harmonize' conflicting interests.
What is the best translation for 合わせる in '彼女は自分のスタイルを流行に合わせた'?
This implies adjusting or adapting her style to match current trends.
Create a sentence using 合わせる to describe coordinating a team's efforts.
This sentence correctly uses 合わせる to show the combination of individual strengths.
The historian ______ primary source accounts to construct a coherent narrative.
In advanced contexts, 合わせる can imply synthesizing or integrating diverse elements.
The idiom 足並みを合わせる (ashinami o awaseru) means to deliberately act out of sync with a group.
足並みを合わせる means to keep pace with others or act in unison.
Score: /10
Summary
Mastering 合わせる allows you to express coordination, suitability, and harmony in countless Japanese contexts.
- 合わせる (awase-ru) is a versatile verb meaning 'to combine', 'to match', or 'to fit'.
- It implies actively making things suitable or harmonious.
- Common uses include coordinating schedules, matching appearances, and adjusting settings.
- Distinguish it from 合う (au), the intransitive form meaning 'to fit naturally'.
The 'A-WASH-ER' Trick
Imagine you're using a special 'A-WASH-ER' machine to make all your clothes perfectly match before you wear them. The 'a-wash-er' helps you 合わせる (awaseru) your outfits!
Think 'Harmony' or 'Suitability'
When you're unsure, ask yourself: 'Am I making these things fit together well?' or 'Am I making this suitable for that?' If yes, 合わせる is likely the word.
The Importance of Coordination
Japanese culture often values harmony and smooth coordination. 合わせる reflects this by enabling speakers to express how things align or fit together, which is key in social and professional settings.
Transitive vs. Intransitive
Remember: 合わせる (awaseru) is transitive (you *make* things match), while 合う (au) is intransitive (things *do* match). This is a crucial distinction!
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
