Meaning and Usage
The verb 交じる (まじる) means "to be mixed" or "to mingle with." It is used when different elements, people, or things are combined or interspersed together, often physically or metaphorically.
Common Contexts
You will often see 交じる used to describe:
- Physical mixtures, like colors or substances.
- People or voices blending together.
- Abstract mixtures, such as truth mixed with lies.
Collocations and Patterns
- 嘘が交じる (うそがまじる): lies are mixed in — used when something contains falsehoods.
- ～に交じる: to mingle among or join a group.
- 笑い声が交じる: laughter mingles with other sounds.
Register and Nuance
交じる is neutral in formality and can be used in both spoken and written Japanese. It often implies a natural or unintentional mixing rather than deliberate blending.
Common Learner Mistake
Do not confuse 交じる (まじる) with 混じる (also まじる) or 混ざる (まざる). While they share similar meanings, 交じる often emphasizes mingling among distinct groups or elements, especially people or voices, whereas 混ざる is more general for mixing substances or things. Pay attention to context to choose the correct verb.