Meaning and Usage
"待ち合わせ" (まちあわせ) refers to an arranged meeting or appointment where two or more people agree to meet at a specific time and place. It is commonly used in everyday conversation when talking about meeting friends, colleagues, or acquaintances.
Common Contexts
This word is often used in casual and formal settings alike, such as meeting friends for coffee, business appointments, or rendezvous before events. It emphasizes the planned nature of the meeting.
Typical Collocations
- 待ち合わせ場所 (まちあわせばしょ): meeting place
- 待ち合わせ時間 (まちあわせじかん): meeting time
- 待ち合わせに遅れる: to be late for the appointment
Usage Notes
When using 待ち合わせ, the focus is on the act of arranging and meeting at a designated time and place. It is different from just "meeting" (会う) because it implies prior planning. Learners should avoid confusing it with spontaneous meetings.
Common Mistake
A common mistake is to use 待ち合わせ without specifying the place or time, which can make the sentence unclear. Always try to include where or when the meeting is planned to happen for clarity.