12
合う

To Suit


Meaning

To Suit, To Come Together, To Meet, To Match

Word Type

intransitive verb, godan verb

Explanation

This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means suit so the verb version is to suit. This word also means to come together as well. Presumably when something suits something else, it comes together with it flawlessly. That's why this word also has this other meaning (and it will be important for future vocab as well).


Reading

あう

Explanation

You want to find a pet to suit your personal style, so you get matched with an aardvark (あ). An aardvark will match the ant mounds you use for chairs and couches, it's the perfect match.


Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 気が合う

    to get along well

    ピントが合う

    to come into focus

    目が合う

    to make eye contact

  • ニーズに合う

    to suit one's needs

    口に合う

    to suit one's tastes

    自分に合う

    to suit oneself

Context Sentences

牛肉には赤ワインが合います。

Red wine goes well with beef.

この電話番号で合ってますか?

Is this the right phone number?

アメリカのインド料理は、アメリカ人の口に合うよう、実際のインドでの調理方法とはかなり違った方法で作られている。

Indian cuisine in America is altered quite a bit from how it’s prepared in India to suit American tastes.


Kanji Composition