会う

あう

to meet, to see

JLPT N5

Character Breakdown

Usage of う (to meet)

The verb う is commonly used to express meeting or seeing someone, either planned or by chance. It often appears with people as the object, such as friends, colleagues, or acquaintances.

Common contexts

う is used for both scheduled meetings and unexpected encounters. For example, "う" means "to meet a friend," and "う" means "to meet by chance."

Collocations and patterns

Notes

う is a transitive verb that requires a person as the object. It is polite and neutral in tone, suitable for everyday conversation. Avoid confusing う with える, which means "can meet" or "be able to meet."

Example Sentences

I plan to meet my friend tomorrow.

When meeting someone for the first time, greet politely.

I happened to meet an old classmate.