Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn a new word: 出会う (deau). It means 'to meet'. Imagine you are walking, and suddenly you see your friend! You meet them. That is 出会う. It is like a surprise meeting. You don't plan to meet them, you just do. You can meet a person, or maybe you find something new, like a nice park. So, 出会う is for when you meet someone or something, often by surprise. It's a fun word for a fun event!
Hi there! Let's talk about 出会う (deau). This verb means 'to meet' or 'to encounter', and it often happens by chance. For example, if you go to the park and unexpectedly see your classmate, you 出会う them. It's different from a planned meeting, like a doctor's appointment. It's more like bumping into someone. You can also 出会う new things, like discovering a delicious new food or finding a beautiful place. So, it’s about meeting someone or something when you don't expect it.
Let's explore 出会う (deau), a Japanese verb meaning 'to meet' or 'to encounter'. The key nuance here is that it usually implies an accidental or serendipitous meeting, rather than a pre-arranged one. For instance, you might 出会う an old friend while traveling, or perhaps you 出会う a challenge in your project. The noun form, 出会い (deai), is very common and often used to talk about significant meetings, especially in romantic contexts, like 'a fated encounter' (運命の出会い - unmei no deai). It’s a versatile verb that captures those moments when paths cross unexpectedly.
The Japanese verb 出会う (deau) signifies 'to meet' or 'to encounter', carrying a strong connotation of chance or serendipity. It’s distinct from planned meetings (like 待ち合わせる - machiawaseru) and often implies a moment of unexpected connection. You might 出会う a person who becomes important in your life, or perhaps 出会う a situation that changes your perspective. The related noun, 出会い (deai), is widely used, especially in discussions about relationships and life experiences. Phrases like 運命の出会い (unmei no deai) – 'a fated encounter' – highlight the profound significance this verb can imply, suggesting destiny or fate playing a role in the meeting.
Delving deeper into 出会う (deau), we find a verb rich in nuance, denoting an encounter that is often unplanned and can carry significant weight. It moves beyond a simple 'meeting' to suggest a moment of convergence, sometimes imbued with a sense of fate or destiny, particularly when discussing significant relationships (e.g., meeting a life partner). The verb implies an active coming-into-being of a connection or confrontation, whether it's 人と出会う (meeting people) or 困難に出会う (encountering difficulties). The related noun, 出会い (deai), is frequently employed in literature and personal narratives to describe pivotal moments of connection or discovery, often highlighting the subjective experience and emotional resonance of the encounter.
The verb 出会う (deau) encapsulates the concept of encountering, often with an undertone of serendipity or preordination. Its etymological roots, combining 'to emerge' (出) with 'to meet' (会), suggest a meeting that arises from venturing forth. This verb is particularly potent when discussing the formation of significant relationships, where the noun form 出会い (deai) can evoke notions of fate (運命の出会い) or profound, life-altering connections. Beyond personal relationships, 出会う can also describe confronting abstract concepts like challenges (困難に出会う) or new ideas (新しい考えに出会う). Its usage often implies a qualitative aspect to the encounter, distinguishing it from mere transactional meetings and reflecting a deeper engagement with the world and its possibilities.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Verb meaning 'to meet' or 'encounter', usually by chance.
- Implies serendipity, unexpectedness, or sometimes fate.
- Used for people, things, challenges, ideas.
- Noun form 出会い (deai) is very common, especially for significant meetings.
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese verb 出会う (deau). It basically means to meet or encounter someone or something, and the cool part is that it often implies a sense of chance or unexpectedness. Think of it as bumping into someone you know on the street, or stumbling upon a hidden gem of a cafe. It's not usually used for planned meetings like appointments, but more for those serendipitous moments.
The nuance of 出会う is really about the encounter itself, the moment of coming into contact. It can be used in many situations, from meeting a new friend to finding an interesting book. It carries a feeling of destiny or fate sometimes, especially when talking about meeting a significant person, like a romantic partner. It’s a versatile verb that adds a touch of spontaneity to your Japanese vocabulary!
The verb 出会う (deau) is formed by combining the prefix 出 (de), meaning 'to go out' or 'to emerge', and the verb 会う (au), which means 'to meet'. So, literally, it's like 'to meet by emerging' or 'to meet by coming out'. This combination perfectly captures the sense of an encounter that happens when you venture out into the world.
Historically, the concept of meeting someone by chance has always been significant. In Japanese culture, where relationships and connections are highly valued, the idea of a fated or meaningful encounter is often expressed through words like 出会い (deai), the noun form of 出会う. The evolution of the word reflects how language captures the nuances of human experience, distinguishing between planned meetings and those that feel more like destiny. It’s a beautiful example of how combining simpler elements can create a word with a rich, specific meaning.
出会う is a go-to verb when you want to talk about unexpected meetings or significant encounters. You'll often hear it used in contexts like meeting a future spouse (運命の出会い - unmei no deai, a fated encounter) or bumping into an old friend (旧友に出会う - kyūyū ni deau). Remember, it's less about scheduling a meeting and more about the spontaneous moment of connection.
Common collocations include 人と出会う (hito to deau) - to meet a person, 新しい世界に出会う (atarashii sekai ni deau) - to encounter a new world, or 困難に出会う (konnan ni deau) - to face difficulties. The particle に (ni) is typically used to mark the person or thing being encountered. While it can be used in formal settings, it's also very common in everyday conversation, making it a versatile addition to your Japanese toolkit. Just think: did you plan this meeting, or did it just happen? If it just happened, 出会う is likely your verb!
While 出会う itself is quite direct, its noun form, 出会い (deai), is frequently used in set phrases that carry idiomatic weight. These expressions often highlight the significance or nature of the encounter.
- 運命の出会い (unmei no deai): This means 'a fated encounter' or 'destiny'. It's used when two people meet under circumstances that feel meant to be, often implying a romantic connection. Example: 彼らはまるで運命の出会いのように感じた。(Karera wa marude unmei no deai no you ni kanjita.) - They felt it was like a fated encounter.
- 奇跡の出会い (kiseki no deai): Translates to 'a miraculous encounter'. This emphasizes the improbability and wonder of the meeting, suggesting it was almost unbelievable. Example: 砂漠で水に出会うなんて、奇跡の出会いだ。(Sabaku de mizu ni deau nante, kiseki no deai da.) - Encountering water in the desert is a miraculous meeting.
- 素敵な出会い (suteki na deai): Means 'a wonderful encounter'. This is a more general positive expression used for any pleasant meeting that leaves a good impression. Example: パーティーで素敵な出会いがあったよ。(Pātī de suteki na deai ga atta yo.) - I had a wonderful encounter at the party.
- 人との出会い (hito to no deai): This phrase simply means 'meeting people' or 'encounters with people'. It's a broad term used when discussing the importance of human connections. Example: 人との出会いは人生を豊かにする。(Hito to no deai wa jinsei o yutaka ni suru.) - Encounters with people enrich one's life.
- 思わぬ出会い (omowanu deai): This signifies an 'unexpected encounter'. It highlights that the meeting was not anticipated at all. Example: 旅行中に思わぬ出会いがあり、親友ができた。(Ryokōchū ni omowanu deai ga ari, shinyū ga dekita.) - I had an unexpected encounter during my trip and made a best friend.
出会う (deau) is a Group 1 verb (a godan verb) in Japanese. This means its stem changes when forming certain grammatical structures. For example, its masu-stem is 出会い (deai), used in polite speech like 出会います (deaimasu). The te-form is 出会って (deatte), used for connecting clauses or requests.
Pronunciation: The word is pronounced roughly as 'deh-ah-oo'. Break it down: 'de' (like 'day' but shorter), 'a' (like the 'a' in 'father'), and 'u' (like the 'oo' in 'moon'). The stress is relatively even across the syllables, without a strong emphasis on any single one. In British English, it sounds like /dɛaʊ/. In American English, it’s very similar, perhaps /deɪ.aʊ/. Rhyming words are rare due to its unique vowel combination, but words ending in '-au' might share a similar final sound. Common pronunciation errors might include rushing the vowels or not separating the 'a' and 'u' sounds distinctly.
Fun Fact
The concept of 'en' (縁), meaning connection or fate, is deeply intertwined with the idea of encounters in Japanese culture.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'deh-ow', with the 'eh' sound short and the 'ow' glide similar to the 'ou' in 'cloud'.
Sounds like 'day-ow', with a slight glide between the 'ay' and 'ow' sounds.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'de' too long, like 'day'.
- Not clearly separating the 'a' and 'u' sounds, making it sound like one long vowel.
- Adding an unnecessary 'n' sound at the end.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to understand context, but nuances can be tricky.
Requires careful consideration of planned vs. chance meetings.
Choosing the right verb (deau vs. au) needs practice.
Context usually makes the meaning clear.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Particles に and を
人に出会う (ni) vs. 人に会う (ni) vs. 本を拾う (o)
Verb Conjugation (Group 1)
Present: 出会う, Past: 出会った, Te-form: 出会って
Noun Phrases
運命の出会い (unmei no deai)
Examples by Level
友達に会う。
friend-DAT meet.
会う (au) is a simpler verb for 'to meet'.
公園で犬に会う。
park-in dog-DAT meet.
Use に (ni) particle for the person/thing you meet.
新しい先生に出会う。
new teacher-DAT encounter.
出会う (deau) is often used for first meetings.
道で猫に出会う。
road-on cat-DAT encounter.
The particle に (ni) marks what you encounter.
ここであなたに出会うとは！
here-at you-DAT encounter-that!
とは (to wa) expresses surprise.
本に出会う。
book-DAT encounter.
Can encounter objects too.
面白い人に会った。
interesting person-DAT met.
Past tense: 会った (atta).
偶然、友に出会う。
by chance, friend-DAT encounter.
偶然 (gūzen) means 'by chance'.
駅で古い友人に偶然出会った。
station-at old friend-DAT by chance encountered.
偶然 (gūzen) emphasizes the chance nature of the meeting.
旅先で素敵な人に出会いました。
travel destination-at wonderful person-DAT encountered-polite.
Polite form: 出会いました (deaimashita).
新しい仕事で、たくさんの新しい考えに出会う。
new job-in, many new ideas-DAT encounter.
Can encounter abstract things like ideas.
人生で大切な人に出会うことは素晴らしい。
life-in important person-DAT encounter-thing wonderful.
～ことは素晴らしい (koto wa subarashii) means 'It is wonderful to...'
この本は図書館で偶然出会った。
this book-TOP library-in by chance encountered.
The topic marker は (wa) can be used.
困った時に、親切な人に出会った。
trouble-when, kind person-DAT encountered.
Shows encountering help when needed.
都会では、様々な文化に出会うことができる。
city-in, various cultures-DAT encounter-can.
～ことができる (koto ga dekiru) means 'can do...'
彼らは運命の出会いだと感じた。
they-TOP fate-GEN encounter-DAT felt.
運命の出会い (unmei no deai) is a common phrase for a fated meeting.
大学で、将来の妻に出会った。
university-at, future-GEN wife-DAT encountered.
Often used for significant personal encounters.
旅の途中で、興味深い話をする老人に出会った。
journey-GEN middle-at, interesting story-DAT tell old man-DAT encountered.
Describes encountering someone with specific characteristics.
予期せぬ困難に出会うこともあるだろう。
unexpected difficulties-DAT encounter-will happen-also maybe.
Can be used for encountering abstract challenges.
この街では、歴史的な建造物に出会うことができる。
this city-in, historical buildings-DAT encounter-can.
Used for encountering significant sights or places.
彼との出会いは、私の人生を変えた。
he-with-GEN encounter-TOP, my life-GEN changed.
The noun form 出会い (deai) is common in reflective statements.
新しいプロジェクトでは、様々な問題に出会うことが予想される。
new project-in, various problems-DAT encounter-will happen-PREDICTED.
Used in a professional or project context.
偶然の出会いが、思わぬ友情を生むこともある。
chance-GEN encounter-NOM, unexpected friendship-DAT produce-can.
Emphasizes the positive outcomes of chance meetings.
その展覧会で、素晴らしい芸術作品に出会えた。
that exhibition-at, wonderful art works-DAT encounter-ABLE.
～に出会えた (ni de aeta) implies being able to encounter something fortunate.
人生における最も重要な出会いは、しばしば予期せぬ時に訪れる。
life-in-GEN most important encounters-TOP, often unexpected time-in visit.
Focuses on the significance and timing of encounters.
彼は、その分野における権威とされる人物に出会う機会を得た。
he-TOP, that field-in-GEN authority-DAT considered person-DAT encounter-GEN opportunity-DAT obtained.
Highlights encountering influential figures.
異文化に触れることで、新たな価値観に出会うことができる。
different culture-DAT touch-by, new values-DAT encounter-can.
Connects encountering different cultures with personal growth.
その古い書物との出会いは、彼の研究の方向性を決定づけた。
that old book-with-GEN encounter-TOP, his research-GEN direction-DAT determined.
Illustrates how encountering an object can be pivotal.
多くの人々が、この地で運命的な出会いを求めている。
many people-TOP, this place-at fate-GEN encounter-DAT seeking.
Reflects the cultural trope of seeking fated encounters.
予期せぬ出来事に出会い、計画の修正を余儀なくされた。
unexpected event-DAT encounter, plan-GEN revision-DAT forced.
Shows encountering unexpected problems in a formal context.
彼は、自身の内面と深く向き合うような出会いを経験した。
he-TOP, his inner self-with deeply face-like encounter-DAT experienced.
Suggests an introspective or psychological encounter.
この小説は、登場人物たちが織りなす多様な人間関係との出会いを描いている。
this novel-TOP, characters-NOM weave-GER diverse human relationships-with encounters-DAT depicts.
Literary usage, describing the narrative's focus on relationships.
現代社会においては、情報過多の中で真実の知識に出会うことが困難になっている。
modern society-in-TOP, information overload-GEN midst-in true knowledge-DAT encounter-GEN-that difficult becoming.
Discusses encountering abstract concepts like 'truth' amidst complexity.
芸術作品との出会いは、鑑賞者の感性を刺激し、新たな視座をもたらす。
art works-with encounter-TOP, viewer-GEN sensibility-DAT stimulate, new perspective-DAT bring.
Highlights the transformative power of encountering art.
彼は、自身のキャリアにおける転換点となるような指導者に出会った。
he-TOP, his own career-in-GEN turning point-become-like mentor-DAT encountered.
Emphasizes the pivotal nature of encountering influential mentors.
その旅は、予想もしなかった自己発見との出会いを促した。
that journey-TOP, predict-also not-did self-discovery-with encounter-DAT prompted.
Frames self-discovery as an 'encounter'.
グローバル化の進展により、我々は多様な文化や価値観との出会いを避けられない。
globalization-GEN progress-by, we-TOP diverse cultures-and values-with encounters-DAT avoid-cannot.
Discusses unavoidable encounters in a globalized context.
哲学書との出会いは、しばしば既存の思考様式への挑戦となる。
philosophy books-with encounter-TOP, often existing thought patterns-towards challenge-TOP become.
Positions encountering philosophical ideas as a challenge to one's thinking.
予期せぬ批判に出会った際、冷静に対応することが求められる。
unexpected criticism-DAT encounter-when, calmly respond-that required.
Focuses on the appropriate response to encountering criticism.
この作品は、人間の存在意義に関する根源的な問いとの出会いを誘発する。
this work-TOP, human-GEN existence meaning-regarding fundamental questions-with encounter-DAT induce.
Describes a work of art prompting encounters with profound questions.
その古代遺跡との出会いは、歴史の深淵に触れるような感覚をもたらした。
that ancient ruins-with encounter-TOP, history-GEN abyss-DAT touch-GER feeling-DAT brought.
Elevated language describing encounters with historical depth.
彼は、自らの内なる声との邂逅（かいこう）を経て、芸術家としての道を歩み始めた。
he-TOP, his own inner voice-with encounter-NOM-through, artist-as-GEN path-DAT start-began.
Uses the more literary synonym 邂逅 (kaikō) for a profound, fated encounter.
この文学作品は、読者に自己欺瞞という普遍的なテーマとの出会いを促す。
this literary work-TOP, reader-DAT self-deception-as-universal theme-with encounter-DAT prompt.
Analyzes literature's role in prompting encounters with universal human themes.
偶然の出会いが人生の軌跡を大きく変える様は、あたかも運命の糸に導かれているかのようだ。
chance-GEN encounter-NOM life-GEN trajectory-DAT greatly change-GER manner-TOP, as if fate-GEN thread-DAT guided-being-as-if.
Philosophical reflection on chance encounters and fate.
その哲学者の思索との出会いは、既存のパラダイムに対する根源的な問いを投げかける。
that philosopher-GEN thoughts-with encounter-TOP, existing paradigm-towards fundamental questions-DAT throw-cast.
Discusses encountering philosophical thought as a catalyst for questioning established norms.
我々は、時に自己の限界との厳しい出会いを経験しなければならない。
we-TOP, sometimes one's own limits-with severe encounter-DAT experience-must.
Describes encountering one's limitations as a necessary hardship.
この映画は、観客に人間の条件についての深い省察との出会いを意図している。
this movie-TOP, audience-DAT human-GEN condition-about deep reflection-with encounter-DAT intend.
Focuses on the intentionality behind artistic encounters.
その失われた文明との出会いは、人類史における我々の位置づけに新たな光を当てる。
that lost civilization-with encounter-TOP, human history-in-GEN our positioning-DAT new light-DAT shed.
Connects encountering historical discoveries with understanding humanity's place.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"運命の出会い (unmei no deai)"
A fated or destined encounter, often implying romantic love.
二人の運命の出会いは、まるで映画のワンシーンのようだった。
neutral/poetic"奇跡の出会い (kiseki no deai)"
A miraculous or highly improbable encounter.
何年も連絡が取れなかった友人と偶然再会できたのは、奇跡の出会いだった。
"灯台下暗し (tōdai moto kurashi)"
The irony of not noticing something right under one's nose; often applied to not recognizing the value of someone or something close by, like not 'meeting' or appreciating them.
いつもそばにいる人の大切さに気づかないのは、まさに灯台下暗しだ。
proverbial"袖振り合うも多生の縁 (sode furiau mo tashō no en)"
Even a brief encounter, like brushing sleeves, is due to past karma or fate.
見知らぬ人にも親切にするべきだ。袖振り合うも多生の縁というからね。
proverbial/philosophical"棚から牡丹餅 (tana kara botamochi)"
Something good happening unexpectedly, like a windfall; implies a fortunate encounter or gain without effort.
仕事を探していたら、偶然良い求人が見つかった。まさに棚から牡丹餅だ。
idiomatic"縁の下の力持ち (en no shita no chikaramochi)"
Someone who works hard behind the scenes without recognition; implies they are 'encountered' only by those who know their efforts.
彼女はチームの縁の下の力持ちとして、黙々と働いている。
idiomaticEasily Confused
Both mean 'to meet'.
会う is general (planned or unplanned). 出会う specifically implies chance/unexpectedness.
友達に会う約束をした。(Planned meeting) vs. 駅で友人に偶然出会った。(Chance encounter)
Both mean 'to encounter'.
遭遇する often implies encountering something unexpected, difficult, or dangerous. 出会う is broader and can be neutral or positive.
危険な獣に遭遇した。(Encountered a dangerous beast) vs. 旅先で素敵な人に出会った。(Met a wonderful person during travels)
Very similar to 出会う, implying meeting by chance.
巡り合う often carries a stronger sense of fate, destiny, or poetic chance, especially in romantic contexts. It's like 'to meet by fate'.
運命のパートナーと巡り合えた。(Was able to meet my fated partner) vs. 公園で偶然、知人に出会った。(Happened to encounter an acquaintance in the park)
Both relate to meeting.
待ち合わせる means to arrange to meet someone at a specific time and place. It's the opposite of the chance nature of 出会う.
カフェで1時に待ち合わせる。(Arrange to meet at the cafe at 1 o'clock) vs. カフェで偶然、旧友に出会った。(Happened to encounter an old friend at the cafe)
Sentence Patterns
Noun + に出会う
道で美しい花に出会った。
Adjective + Noun + に出会う
新しいプロジェクトで、興味深い課題に出会った。
〜で + Noun + に出会う
旅行先で、親切な地元の人に出会った。
Noun + と出会う (less common, emphasis)
彼は、運命というものと出会ったような気がした。
Noun + に出会えた (fortunate encounter)
偉大な師に出会えたことは、私の人生の宝物です。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
出会う specifically implies an element of chance or unexpectedness, unlike planned appointments.
You can 'encounter' a lost wallet (財布に出会う - saifu ni deau), but you 'pick it up' (財布を拾う - saifu o hirowu).
While 会う often uses に, other verbs might use different particles. Stick to に for 出会う.
Using it for casual meetings diminishes its impact and can sound overly dramatic.
English 'meet' is broader; Japanese often uses different verbs to specify the type of meeting.
Tips
Sound it Out!
Break 'de-a-u' into its three distinct sounds. Imagine saying 'Day!' then 'Ah!' then 'Oo!' – the surprise of meeting someone!
Chance vs. Plan
Always ask yourself: Was this meeting planned or did it just happen? If it just happened, 出会う is likely the right word!
The Power of 'En'
Remember that encounters (出会い) are often seen as connected to 'en' (縁 - fate/connection) in Japanese culture. This adds depth to the word.
The 'Ni' Particle
Don't forget the particle に (ni) before the person or thing you encounter. It's a key grammatical marker for this verb.
Smooth Transition
Practice linking the 'a' and 'u' sounds smoothly in 'de-a-u' without a hard stop, making it flow naturally.
Avoid the 'Planned Meeting' Trap
Resist using 出会う for appointments. Stick to 会う or 待ち合わせる to avoid sounding unnatural.
Noun Power!
The noun form 出会い (deai) is incredibly common, especially in literature, songs, and discussions about life experiences. Learn it well!
Story Time
Create short stories about unexpected meetings you've had or imagined. Use 出会う in your stories to solidify its meaning.
Beyond People
Remember you can 'encounter' ideas, challenges, opportunities, and even abstract concepts, not just people.
Past Tense Practice
Practice making the past tense: 出会う -> 出会った (deatta). Try making sentences about past encounters.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Day-Ah-Oo!' - like you're surprised to meet someone on a 'day' and exclaim 'Ah, oo!'
Visual Association
Imagine bumping into someone in a busy street, papers flying everywhere - a chaotic, unexpected encounter.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe 3 unexpected meetings you've had using the structure '[Place]で[Person/Thing]に出会った。'
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: To meet by emerging/going out (出 de + 会う au).
Cultural Context
While generally neutral, using 'unmei no deai' too casually might seem overly romantic or dramatic in some contexts.
In English-speaking cultures, 'chance encounter' or 'serendipity' capture similar meanings. The concept of 'soulmates' also relates to fated encounters.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Personal Relationships
- 運命の出会い (unmei no deai)
- 素敵な人に出会う (suteki na hito ni deau)
- 旧友に出会う (kyūyū ni deau)
Travel
- 旅先で思わぬ出会いがあった (tabisaki de omowanu deai ga atta)
- 面白い人に出会う (omoshiroi hito ni deau)
- 新しい文化に出会う (atarashii bunka ni deau)
Challenges & Problems
- 困難に出会う (konnan ni deau)
- 予期せぬ問題に出会う (yokisenu mondai ni deau)
- 壁に出会う (kabe ni deau)
Discovery & Learning
- 新しい発見に出会う (atarashii hakken ni deau)
- 貴重な経験に出会う (kichō na keiken ni deau)
- 真実に出会う (shinjitsu ni deau)
Conversation Starters
"What's the most surprising person you've ever encountered in Japan?"
"Tell me about a time you encountered unexpected difficulties. How did you handle it?"
"Do you believe in 'fated encounters' (運命の出会い)? Why or why not?"
"What kind of new experiences or discoveries would you like to encounter on your next trip?"
"Have you ever encountered a piece of art or music that deeply moved you?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a memorable encounter from your past. What made it special?
Write about a time you encountered a challenge that ultimately helped you grow.
Imagine you could encounter any historical figure. Who would it be and why?
Reflect on the people you've encountered in your life. How have they influenced you?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions会う (au) is a general term for 'to meet', used for both planned and unplanned meetings. 出会う (deau) specifically implies meeting someone or something by chance, often with a sense of serendipity or fate.
Yes, you can encounter objects, especially if the discovery is somewhat unexpected or significant. For example, '古い本に出会う' (furui hon ni deau - to encounter an old book).
Not always, but the noun form 出会い (deai) is very commonly used in romantic contexts, especially phrases like '運命の出会い' (unmei no deai - fated encounter). However, it can also refer to any significant or meaningful encounter.
The most common particle is に (ni), marking the person or thing being encountered (e.g., 人に出会う - hito ni deau). Sometimes と (to) might be used for emphasis or specific nuances, but に is standard.
If it was by chance: 昨日、彼に出会った (Kinō, kare ni deatta). If it was planned: 昨日、彼に会った (Kinō, kare ni atta).
遭遇する is similar to 出会う but often implies encountering something unexpected, frequently something negative like danger, an accident, or a difficult situation. It can also be used neutrally.
Less commonly than 会う for planned meetings. However, it might be used to describe encountering unexpected challenges or opportunities within a business project.
Both imply meeting by chance. 巡り会い (meguriai) often carries an even stronger sense of fate or destiny, similar to 'unmei no deai', and is perhaps slightly more poetic.
Test Yourself
昨日、公園で古い友達に ____。
The sentence describes meeting an old friend yesterday, so 'deatta' (encountered) is the correct verb.
Which sentence best describes an unplanned meeting?
Sentence 2 uses '偶然' (by chance) and '出会いました' (encountered), indicating an unplanned meeting.
「出会う」 is typically used for scheduled appointments.
出会う implies chance or unexpectedness; scheduled meetings use 会う or 待ち合わせる.
Word
Meaning
Matching phrases helps understand the different contexts where 'deau' and its noun form 'deai' are used.
The correct order forms the sentence '旅先で思わぬ出会いがあった' (I had an unexpected encounter during my trip).
この映画は、観客に人間の条件についての深い省察との ____ を意図している。
The context refers to encountering profound reflections on the human condition, making 'deai' (encounter) the most fitting noun.
Which phrase best describes meeting a significant mentor?
'師に出会う' (shi ni deau) specifically refers to encountering a teacher or mentor, often implying a significant meeting.
The verb 出会う can only be used for meeting people.
It can be used for encountering abstract things (ideas, challenges) or even objects (books, artworks).
その古代遺跡との ____ は、歴史の深淵に触れるような感覚をもたらした。
'邂逅' (kaikō) is a literary synonym for a profound, often fated encounter, fitting the context of ancient ruins and touching the abyss of history.
The sentence '我々は、時に自己の限界との厳しい出会いを経験しなければならない' (We must sometimes experience a harsh encounter with our own limits) uses 出会い in a profound, philosophical sense.
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Summary
出会う captures the magic of unexpected connections and discoveries in life.
- Verb meaning 'to meet' or 'encounter', usually by chance.
- Implies serendipity, unexpectedness, or sometimes fate.
- Used for people, things, challenges, ideas.
- Noun form 出会い (deai) is very common, especially for significant meetings.
Sound it Out!
Break 'de-a-u' into its three distinct sounds. Imagine saying 'Day!' then 'Ah!' then 'Oo!' – the surprise of meeting someone!
Chance vs. Plan
Always ask yourself: Was this meeting planned or did it just happen? If it just happened, 出会う is likely the right word!
The Power of 'En'
Remember that encounters (出会い) are often seen as connected to 'en' (縁 - fate/connection) in Japanese culture. This adds depth to the word.
The 'Ni' Particle
Don't forget the particle に (ni) before the person or thing you encounter. It's a key grammatical marker for this verb.
Example
彼女と出会ったのは運命だった。
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.
活発な
B1Active; lively; vigorous.
甘える
B1To be spoiled, to fawn; to behave like a pampered child.
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.
