Meaning and Usage
The verb 出くわす (でくわす) means "to happen to meet" or "to come across" someone or something unexpectedly. It is often used when you encounter people, animals, or situations by chance without planning.
Common Contexts
You can use 出くわす when talking about meeting someone unexpectedly, such as an old friend or a stranger. It also applies to encountering unusual events or problems, like running into trouble or seeing rare animals.
Collocations and Patterns
- 出くわす + に + person/thing: indicates the entity you unexpectedly meet or encounter.
- 出くわすことがある: expresses that such encounters sometimes happen.
- 出くわしたら: conditional form used to give advice or instructions if such an encounter occurs.
Register and Nuance
This verb is neutral in politeness but is more common in spoken or informal written Japanese rather than very formal contexts. It conveys a sense of chance or coincidence rather than intention.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 出くわす with 会う (あう), which means "to meet" but usually implies a planned or expected meeting. 出くわす specifically emphasizes the unexpected or accidental nature of the encounter.