“To meet” in Japanese is 会う (あう), pronounced au.
Pronunciation
The word has 2 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
To meet or see someone. The person takes に: 友達に会う.
Example sentences
- 明日先生に会います。あしたせんせいにあいます。I’m meeting my teacher tomorrow.
- また会いましょう。またあいましょう。Let’s meet again.
Conjugation
The most useful forms of 会う. The rules are explained in Japanese verbs: the ます form.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary (plain) | 会う あう | meet |
| Polite present | 会います あいます | meet |
| Polite negative | 会いません あいません | don’t meet |
| Polite past | 会いました あいました | past of “meet” |
| Plain negative (ない) | 会わない あわない | don’t meet (casual) |
| Plain past (た) | 会った あった | past of “meet” (casual) |
| て-form | 会って あって | meet and… / please meet (+ください) |
| Want to (たい) | 会いたい あいたい | want to meet |
Quick practice
Test yourself0/3
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Related words: Everyday verbs
FAQ
How do you say to meet in Japanese?
To meet in Japanese is 会う (あう), pronounced “au”.
How do you write to meet in Japanese?
It's written 会う with kanji, or あう in hiragana. Both are read au.
Is 会う on the JLPT?
Yes. 会う (au) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.