Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Meet" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "meet", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
会います
あいます (aimasu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
出迎える
でむかえる (demukaeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "meet" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 会います and 出迎える.
In Japanese, 会います (あいます (aimasu)) is typically associated with "to meet" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 人や約束に遭遇する際に使います。会う相手は「に」で示されます。/ Used when meeting people or appointments. The person met is marked with 'に'..
On the other hand, 出迎える (でむかえる (demukaeru)) maps to "to meet; to greet (a visitor, etc.)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Transitive verb. Specifically means to go out to meet someone who is arriving. A literal translation of "meet" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "会います"
明日は友達に会います。
I will meet my friend tomorrow.
Bilingual Context for "出迎える"
空港まで客を出迎えに行きました。
I went to the airport to meet the guest.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "明日は友達に ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "I will meet my friend tomorrow.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "会います" fits here because it means "to meet" in the context of: "I will meet my friend tomorrow.". "出迎える" represents "to meet; to greet (a visitor, etc.)".