Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Meet" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "meet", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
会う
あう (au)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
会います
あいます (aimasu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "meet" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 会う and 会います.
In Japanese, 会う (あう (au)) is typically associated with "to meet" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Used for meeting people. The particle is usually 「に」.
On the other hand, 会います (あいます (aimasu)) maps to "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'.. A literal translation of "meet" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "会う"
明日、友達に会います。
I will meet my friend tomorrow.
Bilingual Context for "会います"
明日は友達に会います。
I will meet my friend tomorrow.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "明日、友達に会います。" (Meaning: "I will meet my friend tomorrow.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "会う" fits here because it means "to meet" in the context of: "I will meet my friend tomorrow.". "会います" represents "to meet".