Meaning and Usage
The verb 叶う (かなう) primarily means "to come true" or "to be fulfilled," often used for wishes, dreams, or hopes. It can also mean "to meet" or "to satisfy" conditions or expectations.
Common Contexts
- Expressing that a wish or dream has been realized: 夢が叶う (a dream comes true).
- Describing something that matches or satisfies hopes or expectations: 希望に叶う (meet one's hopes), 期待に叶う (meet expectations).
Collocations and Patterns
- 夢が叶う: a dream comes true.
- 希望に叶う: to meet one's hopes.
- 期待に叶う: to meet expectations.
- 願いが叶う: a wish is fulfilled.
Register and Nuance
叶う is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It often conveys a positive outcome or satisfaction.
Common Learner Mistake
Do not confuse 叶う with かなえる (叶える), which is the transitive form meaning "to make a wish come true." 叶う is intransitive and means the wish or condition itself is fulfilled or met.