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再会する

B1 verb 12 min read

再会する

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 再会する in 30 Seconds

Explanation 再会する in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to worry too much about 'saikai suru' yet. You should focus on the word 'au' (to meet). However, you might see 'saikai' in very simple stories or greetings. Think of it as 'see you again' in a very special way. For example, if you have a Japanese friend and you are leaving Japan, they might say 'Mata saikai dekiru hi o tanoshimi ni shite imasu' (I look forward to the day we can meet again). At this level, just remember that the 'sai' part means 'again.' You know 'sayonara'? It's not related, but both start with 'sa.' A better way to remember is 'saishuu' (last) or 'saido' (once more). 'Saikai' is 'meeting once more' after a long time. Don't use it for meeting someone for lunch tomorrow. Use it for meeting someone after you move to a different country. It's a 'big' meeting. In A1, you mostly use 'mata ne' (see you) or 'mata aimashou' (let's meet again). 'Saikai' is a bit more formal and emotional. If you see it in a book, look for the kanji '会' which you already know from 'au' (to meet). That will help you understand that the word is about people coming together. It's a high-level word but the idea is simple: 'Meet + Again.'

At the A2 level, you can start to use 'saikai suru' in specific situations, like writing a letter to a former teacher or a friend from another country. You should understand that it is a 'suru' verb, which means it follows the same rules as 'benkyou suru' (to study) or 'kaimono suru' (to shop). The past tense is 'saikai shimashita.' You can use it with the particle 'to' to say who you reunited with. For example: 'Kyonen, tomodachi to saikai shimashita' (Last year, I reunited with my friend). This level is about distinguishing between 'au' and 'saikai suru.' Use 'au' for 90% of your meetings. Use 'saikai suru' when you want to sound more serious or when the meeting is very special because it has been a long time (like 1 year or more). You might also see the noun 'saikai' used on its own. For instance, 'saikai no hi' (the day of reunion). At A2, you are building the foundation to express more complex emotions. Using 'saikai' instead of 'au' shows that you understand the value of the relationship and the time that has passed. It is a great word to use in a 'Thank You' card after visiting someone you haven't seen in ages. It makes your Japanese sound more thoughtful and less like a textbook.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'saikai suru' in both speaking and writing. This is the level where you start to appreciate the nuance of Sino-Japanese words (kango). You should know that 'saikai suru' is often used with 'buri ni' to indicate the time span. For example, 'San-nen buri ni kanojo to saikai shita' (I reunited with her after three years). You should also be aware of the homophone 'saikai' (再開), which means 'to resume.' At B1, you might be asked to talk about your experiences or memories; 'saikai suru' is a perfect word for describing a trip back to your hometown or meeting a childhood friend. You should also recognize the potential form 'saikai dekiru' (can reunite) and the volitional form 'saikai shiyou' (let's reunite). In B1 reading passages, 'saikai' often appears in stories about family or historical events. You should understand that this word carries a positive emotional weight. It's not just a 'meeting'—it's a 'reconnection.' You can also start using it in more formal contexts, such as business emails when you are meeting a client you haven't worked with in several years. It adds a layer of politeness and respect for the long-standing relationship.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'saikai suru' with precision and to understand its role in more complex sentence structures. You should be able to use collocations like 'saikai o hatasu' (to achieve a reunion) or 'kiseki-teki na saikai' (a miraculous reunion). You should also understand the passive and causative forms: 'saikai saseru' (to cause to reunite) and 'saikai sareru' (to be reunited). At this level, you can use 'saikai' to describe not just people, but also abstract concepts or objects in literary contexts. For example, 'Omoide to saikai suru' (to reunite with one's memories). You should be able to distinguish 'saikai' from more specific terms like 'fukuen' (reconciling a romantic relationship) or 'ochiau' (meeting up at a spot). B2 learners should also be aware of the register; 'saikai suru' is appropriate for speeches, formal essays, and serious literature. You can use it to add gravitas to your storytelling. For instance, instead of saying 'He met his father again,' you could say 'Kare wa chichi to no saikai ni kandou shita' (He was moved by the reunion with his father). This level requires you to use the word to convey not just the action, but the emotional atmosphere surrounding the action.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the cultural and literary implications of 'saikai.' You should be able to discuss the concept of 'en' (fate) and how 'saikai' fits into the Japanese worldview of cyclical time and enduring connections. You should be able to recognize and use the word in high-level literature, news editorials, and academic discussions about sociology or history. For example, you might analyze how 'saikai' is portrayed in post-war Japanese literature as a symbol of national recovery. You should also be familiar with related formal expressions such as 'kyuuyu to kyuukou o atatameru' (to renew an old friendship with a former friend), and know when 'saikai' is the more appropriate, direct choice. At C1, you should be able to use the word metaphorically in professional contexts, such as 'shijou no saikai' (market recovery/reunion with market growth). You should also be sensitive to the rhythm and flow of your Japanese, using 'saikai' to create a specific tone—perhaps one of nostalgia, triumph, or bittersweet realization. Your use of the word should feel natural and integrated into a sophisticated vocabulary that reflects a near-native grasp of Japanese emotional nuances.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like intuition for the word 'saikai suru.' You understand its use in every possible context, from the most casual (used ironically) to the most formal and poetic. You can appreciate the subtle difference between 'saikai' and 'saiaikai' (meeting for the second time) or other obscure variants. You are capable of using 'saikai' in creative writing to evoke a specific 'mono no aware' (the pathos of things)—the feeling of time passing and the beauty of things returning. You can navigate the most complex grammatical constructions involving 'saikai,' such as nominalized clauses or archaic forms found in historical texts. You also understand the political and social weight the word carries in modern Japan, particularly in the context of sensitive issues like the return of citizens or the reconciliation of historical grievances. At this level, you don't just 'know' the word; you 'feel' the word's resonance within the broader tapestry of the Japanese language and culture. You can use it to lead discussions, write professional critiques, or deliver moving speeches that resonate with native speakers on an emotional level. Your mastery includes knowing when *not* to use it to avoid being cliché, choosing instead more rare or specific synonyms to achieve a precise rhetorical effect.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

再会する in 30 Seconds

再会する (saikai suru) means to reunite after a long time apart.
It is a formal and emotional word, used for significant meetings.
Commonly used with 'buri ni' to show how many years have passed.
Avoid using it for casual meetings like seeing someone the next day.

The Japanese verb 再会する (saikai suru) is a profound and emotionally resonant term that translates to 'to reunite' or 'to meet again after a long separation.' Unlike the casual phrase 'mata au' (see you again), which you might use with a friend you saw yesterday, saikai suru carries the weight of time, distance, and often, a sense of destiny or significant longing. It is composed of two kanji: 再 (sai), meaning 'again' or 'twice,' and 会 (kai), meaning 'to meet.' When combined with the functional verb 'suru,' it transforms into an action that signifies the closing of a gap that has existed for months, years, or even decades.

Emotional Depth: This word is specifically reserved for moments that hold narrative significance. It is the word used when childhood friends find each other in adulthood, when soldiers return to their families, or when lovers are brought back together by fate. It implies that the period of separation was a distinct chapter in the participants' lives.

卒業してから二十年後、私たちは同窓会で再会した。
(Twenty years after graduation, we reunited at a class reunion.)

In Japanese culture, the concept of en (fate or connection) is often tied to saikai. People believe that if two people are meant to be in each other's lives, they will inevitably experience a saikai. This makes the word a staple in literature, song lyrics, and cinematic dramas. It is not merely a social appointment; it is a restoration of a broken or paused connection. You wouldn't use this word for meeting a colleague for a second meeting in a week; that would be 'uchiawase' or simply 'au.' Using saikai suru in a mundane context can sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic.

Grammatical Nuance: The verb usually takes the particle 'to' (with) or 'ni' (with/at) depending on the focus. 'A-san to saikai suru' means to reunite with Mr. A. The focus is on the mutual experience of the meeting.

生き別れた兄弟が空港で劇的な再会を果たした。
(The long-lost siblings achieved a dramatic reunion at the airport.)

Furthermore, saikai suru is often paired with adverbs that emphasize the duration of time, such as 'hisashiburi ni' (after a long time) or 'juu-nen buri ni' (for the first time in ten years). These modifiers help to set the stage for the importance of the reunion. In professional contexts, it can be used when resuming a business relationship that had been dormant, though it still carries a warmer, more personal tone than 'torihiki o saikai suru' (resuming transactions).

Social Context: In Japan, the New Year and Obon seasons are prime times for saikai. Families returning to their hometowns (kitaku) experience these reunions. It is a time of nostalgia and reflecting on how much people have changed during their time apart.

旧友との再会を祝して乾杯しましょう。
(Let's toast to celebrate our reunion with old friends.)

To summarize, 再会する is a bridge over time. It is used when the act of meeting again is the primary focus of the story or conversation. It is filled with the joy of seeing a familiar face after the world has changed around you both. When you use it, you are signaling to the listener that the person you are meeting is someone of significant history in your life.

Mastering 再会する requires understanding how to frame the time elapsed and the nature of the relationship. It is most commonly used in the past tense (saikai shita) because we usually talk about reunions after they have happened or in the future tense (saikai suru no o tanoshimi ni shite iru) when expressing anticipation.

The 'Time-Buri' Pattern: The most natural way to use this verb is by specifying how long it has been. You use the duration followed by 'buri ni' (after an interval of...). For example, 'go-nen buri ni' (after 5 years) or 'hisashiburi ni' (after a long time).

私たちは五年ぶりにパリで再会した。
(We reunited in Paris after five years.)

When describing the person you are reuniting with, use the particle と (to). This indicates a mutual action. If you want to say 'I reunited with my teacher,' it would be 'Sensei to saikai shita.' Using 'ni' is also possible, particularly when the meeting feels like one person arriving to meet another who has been waiting.

Conditional and Potential Forms: In stories, characters often wonder if they will ever meet again. 'Itsuka saikai dekiru darou ka' (I wonder if we can reunite someday). The potential form 'saikai dekiru' is used to express the possibility of the event occurring.

いつかまたどこかで再会できることを信じています。
(I believe that we can reunite again somewhere someday.)

Another common usage is in the context of 'reunion events' (saikaikai or dousoukai). Here, saikai acts as a noun. However, when you want to say 'to attend a reunion,' you would say 'dousoukai de kyuuyu to saikai suru.' The word is also used metaphorically in art and music. For example, a musician might 'reunite' with their favorite instrument after years of not playing it.

Transitive vs. Intransitive Nuance: While 'saikai suru' is grammatically treated as a verb phrase, it functions much like an intransitive verb of movement or state change. You don't 'reunite someone else' using this word; you would use 'saikai saseru' (to cause to reunite) for that.

運命が二人を再会させた。
(Fate caused the two to reunite.)

Finally, consider the register. In a casual setting with friends, you might say 'Mata aete ureshii!' (I'm glad we could meet again!). Save saikai suru for when you are telling the story of that meeting to someone else, or when the occasion is formal, such as a speech at a wedding or a retirement party. It adds a touch of sophistication and gravity to your Japanese.

The word 再会する is a staple of Japanese media and formal communication. If you watch a Japanese drama (dorama) or anime, you will inevitably encounter this word during the 'big reveal' or the emotional climax of a story arc. It is the linguistic signal that a long-awaited connection has been restored.

In Anime and Manga: Characters often promise to meet again before a long journey. The phrase 'Kanarazu saikai shiyou' (Let's definitely reunite) is a common trope. It sets up a future plot point. When they finally do meet, the episode title might even be 'Unmei no Saikai' (The Fated Reunion).

「十年後、この場所で再会しよう」と約束した。
("Let's reunite at this place in ten years," we promised.)

In the news, saikai is used in a very specific, often political or social context. You will hear it in reports about the 'North Korean abductees' (rachi higaisha) and the efforts of their families to reunite with them. In these cases, the word carries a heavy, somber tone, reflecting a national desire for closure. It is also used when discussing the return of stolen cultural artifacts to their original countries—a 'reunion' of the object with its culture.

In Literature and Songs: J-Pop lyrics are filled with 'saikai.' It is a poetic way to talk about a lost love. Unlike 'au,' which is just the act of seeing, 'saikai' suggests that the souls are reconnecting. In novels, it is used to describe the bittersweet moment when characters realize how much they have both changed.

別れがあれば、必ず再会がある。
(Where there is a parting, there is always a reunion.)

You will also hear this word in the context of 'alumni associations' (dousoukai). When the organizer stands up to give a speech, they will almost always say, 'Kyou wa, koushite mina-san to saikai dekita koto o ureshiku omoimasu' (Today, I am happy that we could reunite like this). It sets a formal yet nostalgic tone for the event.

Documentaries: Documentaries about nature or history might use 'saikai' metaphorically. For example, when a researcher finds a species thought to be extinct, they might describe it as a 'miraculous reunion' (kiseki no saikai) with the species.

絶滅したと思われていた魚との再会に、研究者は涙した。
(The researcher wept at the reunion with the fish thought to be extinct.)

In summary, listen for saikai suru whenever the narrative involves the passage of time. It is a word that signals importance, emotion, and the enduring nature of human (and sometimes non-human) bonds. It is rarely used for the mundane and almost always for the memorable.

While 再会する is a useful verb, its specific nuance makes it easy for learners to use incorrectly. The most common error is using it in place of the simple verb 'au' (to meet) for casual, short-term intervals.

The 'Short Interval' Mistake: If you saw your friend yesterday and are meeting them again today, do NOT use 'saikai suru.' This would sound like you are mocking the short time apart or being incredibly dramatic. Instead, use 'mata au' or 'renraku o toru.'

❌ 明日、カフェで再会しましょう。
✅ 明日、カフェで会いましょう。
(The first sounds like you're going off to war tonight and might never see them again.)

Another mistake involves confusing saikai (再会) with saikai (再開). They are homophones (pronounced the same) but have different kanji and meanings. 再会 is for people meeting again. 再開 is for resuming an activity, like a meeting, a game, or a business operation.

Particle Confusion: Learners sometimes use the object particle 'o' with 'saikai suru.' While you can 'o hatasu' (achieve a reunion), you typically 'to saikai suru' (reunite with). Saying 'Kare o saikai shita' is grammatically awkward.

❌ 彼を再会した。
✅ 彼と再会した。
(Use 'to' to show the mutual nature of the reunion.)

Over-formalization is also a risk. Because saikai suru is a kango (Sino-Japanese word), it is inherently more formal than wago (native Japanese words like 'au'). If you use it in every single conversation about seeing people again, you might come across as stiff or distant. It's important to balance your vocabulary based on the emotional weight of the situation.

The 'Place' Particle: Sometimes learners use 'ni' for the location of the reunion when they should use 'de.' 'Gakkou ni saikai shita' sounds like you reunited with the school building. To say you reunited at the school, use 'Gakkou de.'

❌ 駅に再会した。
✅ 駅で再会した。
(Use 'de' for the location of the action.)

Lastly, don't forget the 'suru.' Since saikai is a noun, you cannot just say 'Watashitachi wa saikai' as a complete sentence. You must add 'shita' or 'shimashita' to make it a verb. While 'saikai!' as an exclamation (like 'Reunion!') is possible at the moment of meeting, in a sentence, it needs its verbal engine.

Japanese has several ways to describe meeting people, each with a specific nuance. Understanding the difference between 再会する and its alternatives will help you choose the right word for the right moment.

再会 (Saikai) vs. 会う (Au): 'Au' is the general, all-purpose verb for meeting. 'Saikai' is a subset of 'au' specifically for 'meeting again after a long time.' If you're unsure, 'au' is always safe, but 'saikai' is more expressive.

友達に会う (Meet a friend - casual/general)
旧友と再会する (Reunite with an old friend - emotional/long-term)

Another similar word is 巡り合う (Meguriau). This word translates to 'to chance upon' or 'to meet by fate' after a long period or a series of events. While saikai can be planned (like a reunion party), meguriau often implies a more accidental or destiny-driven meeting.

再会 (Saikai) vs. 落ち合う (Ochiau): 'Ochiau' means 'to meet up' or 'to rendezvous' at a specific place. It is used when two people are coming from different locations to meet at a designated spot. It doesn't imply a long separation; it's about the logistics of meeting.

ハチ公前で落ち合いましょう。
(Let's meet up in front of Hachiko.)

For romantic contexts, you might hear 復縁する (Fukuen suru). This specifically means 'to get back together' or 'to reconcile' after a breakup. While a saikai might lead to a fukuen, they are not the same. Saikai is the act of meeting; fukuen is the restoration of the relationship status.

Comparison Table

再会: Focus on the time gap and emotional reunion.
再会 (different kanji): Focus on resuming an activity.
面会 (Menkai): Formal meeting/interview (e.g., in a hospital or prison).
対面 (Taimen): Facing each other/meeting for the first time.

二人は十年ぶりに再会し、そのまま復縁した。
(The two reunited after ten years and got back together just like that.)

Choosing the right word shows your sensitivity to the relationship. Use saikai suru when the meeting feels like a 'return' to a previous state of being together. It is a word of history, whereas 'au' is a word of the present moment.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji '会' originally depicted a lid over a pot, symbolizing things coming together or fitting perfectly. This is why it is used for meetings!

Pronunciation Guide

UK saɪkaɪ suːruː

US saɪkaɪ suːruː

Japanese has pitch accent rather than stress. 'Saikai' usually has a High-Low-Low or Low-High-High pattern depending on the dialect, but flat is often understood.

Rhymes With

Taikai (Large meeting) Mankai (Full bloom) Genkai (Limit) Tenkai (Development) Koukai (Regret) Shinkai (Deep sea) Enkai (Banquet) Kaikai (Opening a meeting)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'sai' as 'say'. It should be 'sigh'.
Pronouncing 'kai' as 'kay'. It should be 'kite' (without the t).
Strongly stressing one syllable. Japanese is relatively flat.
Confusing it with 'saikai' (resumption) which has different kanji but the same sound.
Making the 'u' in 'suru' too long.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are standard N3 level, but the word is very common.

Writing 4/5

The kanji '再' and '会' require some practice for stroke order.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce; the main challenge is using it in the right context.

Listening 3/5

Must distinguish from 'saikai' (resumption) via context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

会う (Au) 再び (Futatabi) 友達 (Tomodachi) 久しぶり (Hisashiburi) 約束 (Yakusoku)

Learn Next

再開する (Saikai suru - Resume) 巡り合う (Meguriau - Encounter by fate) 同窓会 (Dousoukai - Alumni reunion) 別れ (Wakare - Parting) 感動 (Kandou - Emotion)

Advanced

邂逅 (Kaikou - Chance encounter) 旧交を温める (Kyuukou o atatameru - Renew old friendship) 一期一会 (Ichigo ichie - Once-in-a-lifetime encounter)

Grammar to Know

The particle 'to' for mutual actions.

田中さんと再会した。

Using '~buri ni' to specify the interval.

五年ぶりに再会した。

Nominalizing verbs with 'koto'.

彼と再会することは私の夢です。

The potential form of 'suru' verbs.

いつか再会できると信じている。

The causative form for 'making someone meet'.

運命が二人を再会させた。

Examples by Level

また再会しましょう。

Let's meet again (reunite).

Volitional form 'shiyou' makes it a suggestion.

いつか再会したいです。

I want to reunite someday.

'-tai' expresses desire.

私たちは再会しました。

We reunited.

Past tense of a 'suru' verb.

再会はうれしいです。

Reunion is happy (I'm happy to reunite).

'Saikai' used as a noun here.

友だちと再会する。

To reunite with a friend.

Basic dictionary form.

日本で再会しましょう。

Let's reunite in Japan.

Particle 'de' for location.

先生と再会した。

I reunited with my teacher.

Particle 'to' indicates 'with'.

再会の約束をしました。

We made a promise to reunite.

'Saikai no' modifies the noun 'yakusoku'.

三年ぶりに彼と再会した。

I reunited with him after three years.

'Buri ni' is used for time intervals.

空港で家族と再会しました。

I reunited with my family at the airport.

More formal 'shimashita' ending.

私たちは同窓会で再会する予定です。

We plan to reunite at the class reunion.

'Yotei' means plan.

あそこで再会できるといいですね。

It would be nice if we could reunite there.

'~to ii desu ne' expresses a hope.

久しぶりに旧友と再会しました。

I reunited with an old friend after a long time.

'Hisashiburi ni' is a common adverb.

再会した時、彼は泣いていました。

When we reunited, he was crying.

'Toki' means 'when'.

母との再会を楽しみにしています。

I am looking forward to the reunion with my mother.

'Tanoshimi ni suru' is a set phrase.

手紙を書いて、再会を約束しました。

I wrote a letter and promised to reunite.

Te-form 'kaite' connects two actions.

十年という長い年月を経て、二人は再会した。

After a long period of ten years, the two reunited.

'~o hete' means 'passing through' or 'after'.

生き別れた兄弟が、ついに再会を果たした。

The long-lost siblings finally achieved a reunion.

'Saikai o hatasu' is a formal collocation.

この場所は、私たちにとって再会の地です。

This place is the land of reunion for us.

'~ni totte' means 'for'.

偶然、街角で初恋の人と再会した。

I accidentally reunited with my first love on a street corner.

'Guuzen' means by chance.

彼らは戦後、何十年も経ってから再会した。

They reunited decades after the war.

'Decades' is 'nan-juu-nen mo'.

再会した彼女は、以前よりもずっと大人びていた。

When we reunited, she looked much more mature than before.

'Otonabite ita' means looked mature.

いつか必ず再会できると信じて、旅に出た。

Believing that we could definitely reunite someday, I set out on a journey.

'Shinjite' (believing) provides the reason.

再会を祝して、みんなで乾杯しましょう。

Let's all have a toast to celebrate our reunion.

'~o shukushite' means 'in celebration of'.

劇的な再会シーンは、観客の涙を誘った。

The dramatic reunion scene moved the audience to tears.

'Namida o sasou' means to invite/cause tears.

恩師との再会を通じて、自分の原点を思い出した。

Through the reunion with my former teacher, I remembered my roots.

'~o tsuujite' means 'through' or 'via'.

離れ離れになった家族が再会するのは、至難の業だった。

It was an extremely difficult task for the separated family to reunite.

'Shinan no waza' means an extremely hard task.

彼は再会した喜びを、一編の詩に認めた。

He expressed the joy of the reunion in a single poem.

'Shitatameru' is a formal verb for writing.

運命的な再会が、彼女の人生を大きく変えた。

A fateful reunion changed her life significantly.

'Unmeiteki' means fateful.

再会を待ちわびる時間は、とても長く感じられた。

The time spent waiting for the reunion felt very long.

'Machiwabiru' means to wait anxiously/long for.

その小説は、生き別れた親子の再会で幕を閉じる。

The novel ends with the reunion of a long-lost parent and child.

'Maku o tojiru' means to close the curtain/end.

再会した時、二人の間には言葉はいらなかった。

When they reunited, no words were needed between them.

'Kotoba wa iranakatta' means words were unnecessary.

幾多の困難を乗り越え、ついに祖国での再会が実現した。

Overcoming numerous difficulties, the reunion in the motherland was finally realized.

'Ikuta no' means numerous.

再会した旧友の変わり果てた姿に、言葉を失った。

I was speechless at the completely changed appearance of my old friend.

'Kawarihateta' implies a drastic, often negative, change.

この再会が、停滞していた交渉に新たな光をもたらした。

This reunion brought new light to the stalled negotiations.

'Teitai' means stagnation.

互いに歳月を重ねた上での再会には、独特の感慨がある。

A reunion after both have aged has a unique sense of deep emotion.

'Kangai' refers to deep, lingering feelings.

再会を期して別れる際、彼らは固い握手を交わした。

When parting with the hope of reuniting, they exchanged a firm handshake.

'~o kishite' means 'expecting/hoping for'.

歴史の荒波に翻弄された二人の再会は、あまりにも切ない。

The reunion of the two, tossed about by the stormy seas of history, is incredibly painful.

'Honrou sareru' means to be trifled with/tossed about.

彼は、失われた過去との再会を求めて旅を続けている。

He continues his journey seeking a reunion with his lost past.

Metaphorical use of 'saikai'.

再会がもたらすのは、単なる喜びだけではない。

What a reunion brings is not merely joy.

'Tan-naru... dake de wa nai' (not just merely...).

永きにわたる沈黙を破り、両首脳の再会が世界に報じられた。

Breaking a long silence, the reunion of the two leaders was reported to the world.

'Nagaki ni wataru' is a very formal 'long-term'.

それは再会という名の、残酷な運命の悪戯であった。

It was a cruel prank of fate, under the name of a reunion.

'Itazura' (prank/trick) used in a literary sense.

再会を果たすべく、彼はあらゆる伝手を頼った。

In order to achieve a reunion, he relied on every possible connection.

'~beku' is a formal 'in order to'.

あの日、あの時、あの場所での再会がなければ、今の私はいない。

Without that reunion on that day, at that time, in that place, I would not be who I am today.

Conditional 'nakereba'.

再会した瞬間に溢れ出した感情は、筆舌に尽くしがたい。

The emotions that overflowed the moment we reunited are beyond description.

'Hitsuzetsu ni tsukushigatai' means 'indescribable'.

悠久の時を超えて、魂が再会する物語が人々の心を打つ。

The story of souls reuniting across eternity touches people's hearts.

'Yuukyuu' refers to eternity/perpetuity.

再会は、別れの悲しみを癒やす唯一の処方箋かもしれない。

A reunion might be the only prescription to heal the sadness of parting.

'Shohousen' means prescription.

たとえ姿かたちが変わっても、魂が響き合う再会はある。

Even if appearances change, there are reunions where souls resonate with each other.

'Tatoe... temo' (even if...).

Common Collocations

劇的な再会

十年ぶりの再会

再会を果たす

再会を誓う

再会を祝す

奇跡的な再会

再会を待ちわびる

再会の地

再会を喜ぶ

再会を期する

Common Phrases

また再会できる日を楽しみにしています

— I am looking forward to the day we can reunite again. Used in formal letters.

お元気で。また再会できる日を楽しみにしています。

再会の約束

— A promise to meet again. Often used in stories or when parting.

再会の約束を守るために、ここに来た。

感動の再会

— A moving/touching reunion. A common phrase in TV shows.

テレビ番組で感動の再会シーンが放送された。

再会を果たすことができた

— Was able to achieve a reunion. Emphasizes the effort or luck involved.

多くの人の協力のおかげで、再会を果たすことができた。

不意の再会

— An unexpected reunion. Meeting someone without planning it.

旅行先で不意の再会があり、驚いた。

再会は叶わなかった

— The reunion was not realized. Used in sad or tragic contexts.

残念ながら、彼との再会は叶わなかった。

再会を信じている

— To believe in a future reunion. Shows hope.

離れていても、いつか再会できると信じている。

再会の喜び

— The joy of reuniting. Focuses on the positive emotion.

再会の喜びで、胸がいっぱいになった。

再会を願う

— To wish for a reunion. A prayer-like sentiment.

平和な世界で家族が再会できることを願う。

再会を記念して

— In commemoration of the reunion. Used for photos or gifts.

再会を記念して、写真を撮りましょう。

Often Confused With

再会する vs 再開 (Saikai)

Resuming an activity (e.g., a game or meeting). Same pronunciation, different kanji.

再会する vs 再婚 (Saikon)

Remarriage. Starts with the same 'Sai' but refers to marriage.

再会する vs 再会 (different nuance)

Sometimes used for 'meeting for the second time,' but 'saikai' usually implies a long gap.

Idioms & Expressions

"一日千秋の思いで再会を待つ"

— To wait for a reunion so anxiously that one day feels like a thousand autumns.

彼は彼女との再会を一日千秋の思いで待っていた。

Literary

"袖振り合うも多生の縁"

— Even a brief encounter (like sleeves touching) is due to fate from a previous life. Often cited during a 'saikai'.

こんな場所で再会するなんて、袖振り合うも多生の縁ですね。

Proverbial

"再会を期して杯を交わす"

— To drink together while promising to meet again.

戦地へ向かう友と、再会を期して杯を交わした。

Formal/Literary

"骨肉の再会"

— A reunion of blood relatives (flesh and bone).

三十年ぶりの骨肉の再会に、村中が沸いた。

Formal

"目と目で再会を喜ぶ"

— To rejoice in a reunion just by looking at each other, without words.

言葉はなくても、二人は目と目で再会を喜んだ。

Descriptive

"夢にまで見た再会"

— A reunion that one has even seen in their dreams. Something long desired.

それは、彼が夢にまで見た再会の瞬間だった。

Common

"再会の花を咲かせる"

— To have a lively conversation during a reunion (metaphorical).

同窓会で、昔話に再会の花を咲かせた。

Idiomatic

"再会が運命の歯車を回す"

— A reunion sets the gears of fate in motion.

その再会が、彼の運命の歯車を大きく回し始めた。

Dramatic

"再会を胸に刻む"

— To engrave the memory of the reunion in one's heart.

短い再会だったが、その喜びを胸に刻んだ。

Literary

"再会を約束の地で"

— Reuniting at a promised land/place.

僕たちは再会を約束の地で果たした。

Poetic

Easily Confused

再会する vs 再開

Exactly the same pronunciation (saikai).

再会 is for people meeting; 再開 is for things/events starting again.

会議を再開する (Resume the meeting) vs. 友人と再会する (Reunite with a friend).

再会する vs 出会う

Both involve meeting people.

出会う is usually for the first time or a chance encounter; 再会 is specifically for meeting again.

新しい友達に出会う (Meet a new friend).

再会する vs 面会

Both are formal meetings.

面会 is institutional (hospital/office); 再会 is personal and emotional.

患者と面会する (Visit a patient).

再会する vs 落ち合う

Both involve meeting up.

落ち合う is about the location/logistics; 再会 is about the time/emotion.

駅で落ち合う (Meet at the station).

再会する vs 見かける

Both involve seeing someone.

見かける is just spotting someone without necessarily talking; 再会 is a mutual meeting.

彼を街で見かけた (I spotted him in town).

Sentence Patterns

[Person] と [Time] ぶりに再会する。

友達と三年ぶりに再会する。

[Place] で [Person] と再会を果たす。

パリで彼女と再会を果たした。

再会できるのを楽しみにしている。

また再会できるのを楽しみにしている。

再会を祝して [Action]。

再会を祝してパーティーを開いた。

[Event] は [Person] との再会で終わる。

その物語は父との再会で終わる。

再会を期して [Action]。

再会を期して別れの挨拶をした。

再会が [Noun] をもたらす。

再会が二人に平和をもたらした。

再会こそが [Noun] である。

再会こそが人生の喜びである。

Word Family

Nouns

再会 (Saikai) - Reunion

再会派 (Saikai-ha) - A group advocating for a reunion (rare)

再会祝 (Saikai-iwai) - Celebration of a reunion

Verbs

再会する (Saikai suru) - To reunite

再会させる (Saikai saseru) - To cause to reunite

再会できる (Saikai dekiru) - To be able to reunite

Adjectives

再会待ちの (Saikai-machi no) - Waiting for a reunion

出会い (Deai) - Encounter

再開 (Saikai) - Resumption

再来 (Sairai) - Second coming

面会 (Menkai) - Interview/Visit

密会 (Mikkai) - Secret meeting

How to Use It

frequency

Common in media, literature, and formal announcements; moderately common in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 'saikai' for a meeting tomorrow. → 明日会いましょう (Ashita aimashou).
Saikai implies a long separation. Using it for tomorrow sounds bizarrely dramatic.
Confusing 再会 with 再開 in writing. → 旧友と再会する (Reunite with old friend).
再会 is for people; 再開 is for activities. They are homophones, so be careful with kanji.
Using the particle 'o' instead of 'to'. → 彼と再会した (Reunited with him).
Saikai is usually an intransitive action done 'with' someone. 'O' is used only with 'hatasu'.
Using 'saikai' for a first-time meeting. → はじめまして (Hajimemashite) or 出会う (Deau).
The 'Sai' in 'Saikai' specifically means 'again.' You cannot reunite with someone you've never met.
Forgetting the 'suru' in a sentence. → 私たちは再会した (We reunited).
Saikai is a noun. To use it as a verb, you must add 'suru' (or its past form 'shita').

Tips

Use with 'Buri ni'

To sound natural, always try to mention how long it's been using the '~buri ni' pattern. It provides the necessary context for using such a strong word.

Anime Tropes

If you are an anime fan, look for 'saikai' in episode titles. It almost always signals a major plot development involving a character from the protagonist's past.

Kanji Clue

Remember that 'Sai' (再) is the same 'Sai' in 'Saishuu' (Final) or 'Saido' (Once more). It always points to a repetition of something.

Tone Matters

When saying 'saikai shita,' allow your voice to convey the emotion of the event. It's a word that invites the listener to ask for more details.

Formal Letters

In the closing of a letter to someone you haven't seen in a while, '再会を願って' (Wishing for our reunion) is a beautiful and sophisticated touch.

Contextual Homophones

If you hear 'saikai' followed by 'shiai' (match) or 'kaigi' (meeting), it's probably 'resumption' (再開). If it's followed by 'tomodachi' or 'kazoku,' it's 'reunion' (再会).

The 'Meeting' Kanji

Focus on the 'Kai' (会). Since you already know 'au' (to meet), you only need to learn 'Sai' to master this word. It's a high-value, low-effort addition to your vocab.

Avoid Casual Overuse

Don't say 'saikai' for your weekly coffee date. It's like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut—way too much power for a simple situation.

Dousoukai

If you are invited to a 'dousoukai,' the word 'saikai' will be the theme of the night. Using it in your self-introduction will impress your former classmates.

Dramatic Effect

In creative writing, use 'saikai' at the end of a chapter to create a cliffhanger. It immediately tells the reader that a significant connection has been restored.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Sigh' and 'Kite'. You 'Sigh' with relief because you finally caught the 'Kite' that flew away years ago. 'Sigh-Kai' = Reunion.

Visual Association

Imagine two halves of a torn photograph being put back together. The act of joining them is 'saikai suru'.

Word Web

Meeting Again Time Separation Emotion Promise History Fate

Challenge

Try to write a three-sentence story about two people meeting at an airport after 5 years using 'saikai suru' in the past tense.

Word Origin

Composed of Sino-Japanese roots (Kango). '再' (Sai) comes from Middle Chinese /t͡səi/ meaning 'again.' '会' (Kai) comes from Middle Chinese /ɦuɑi/ meaning 'to meet' or 'to assemble.'

Original meaning: To meet again.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'saikai' in contexts of death. While it can be used for 'meeting in the afterlife,' it should be handled with appropriate solemnity.

In English, we use 'reunite' or 'meet again.' 'Reunite' is a close match, but 'meet again' is often too casual to capture the full weight of 'saikai suru.'

The anime 'Your Name' (Kimi no Na wa) centers around a long-awaited 'saikai'. The song 'Saikai' by LiSA and Uru is a famous modern J-pop example. The film 'Always: Sunset on Third Street' features many emotional 'saikai' scenes.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At an airport

おかえり！再会できてうれしいよ。
長旅お疲れ様。再会を待ってたよ。
ここで再会するなんて夢みたいだ。
やっと家族と再会できた。

At a school reunion

卒業以来の再会だね。
みんなと再会できて感動した。
再会を祝して乾杯！
当時の面影がある再会だった。

In a romantic story

運命の再会を信じている。
二人は雨の中で再会した。
あの時の再会がすべてを変えた。
再会した瞬間、恋に落ちた。

In a formal letter

またの再会を祈念しております。
再会の日を心待ちにしております。
先日、再会できましたこと、厚く御礼申し上げます。
いつか再会できることを願って。

Talking about a pet

迷子だった犬と再会した。
再会した時、犬は尻尾を振った。
奇跡の再会だった。
再会できて本当に安心した。

Conversation Starters

"最近、昔の友達と再会したことはありますか？ (Have you reunited with any old friends lately?)"

"もし、十年ぶりに初恋の人と再会したらどうしますか？ (What would you do if you reunited with your first love after ten years?)"

"一番感動した再会の思い出を教えてください。 (Please tell me about your most moving reunion memory.)"

"空港での再会シーンを見ると、どう感じますか？ (How do you feel when you see reunion scenes at an airport?)"

"いつか再会したいと思っている人はいますか？ (Is there anyone you hope to reunite with someday?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、誰かと「再会」した時のことを想像して書いてみましょう。 (Imagine and write about a time you 'reunited' with someone today.)

「再会」という言葉から、どんな色や音楽を連想しますか？ (What colors or music do you associate with the word 'saikai'?)

十年後の自分と再会できたら、何と言いたいですか？ (If you could reunite with yourself ten years from now, what would you want to say?)

あなたにとって、一番大切な再会の約束は何ですか？ (What is the most important promise of reunion for you?)

映画や小説の中で、一番好きな再会のシーンについて書いてください。 (Write about your favorite reunion scene in a movie or novel.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically yes, but it sounds very dramatic or sarcastic. It's better to use 'mata au' for short intervals. 'Saikai suru' is best for intervals of months or years.

'Saikai' is the verb/noun for the act of reuniting. 'Dousoukai' is the specific noun for a 'school alumni reunion' event. You would 'saikai suru' at a 'dousoukai'.

Yes, it is a kango word, which makes it naturally polite. For even higher formality when meeting a superior, you might use 'o-me ni kakaru' with a time modifier.

You can say '再会を楽しみにしています' (Saikai o tanoshimi ni shite imasu).

Yes, in a poetic sense. For example, 'reuniting with my hometown' (kokyou to no saikai) or 'reuniting with a favorite book' (daisuki na hon to no saikai).

'Saikai shita' is the standard past tense. 'Saikai o hatashita' is more formal and implies that the reunion was a goal or a difficult achievement.

The particle 'to' is most common because it implies a mutual action ('with'). 'Ni' is also used sometimes, especially in literary contexts.

Usually, 'saikai' implies a previous relationship. If you just met a stranger once and meet them again, 'mata aimashita ne' is more natural.

Yes, very often. It's used when people find their family members or pets after being separated during a disaster.

Mostly yes, but it can be bittersweet or even painful in stories where the reunion reveals sad changes in the people involved.