待ち合わせる

まちあわせる

to rendezvous, to meet at a prearranged place and time

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The verb 待ち合わせる (まちあわせる) means to meet someone at a prearranged place and time. It is commonly used when two or more people plan to gather somewhere, emphasizing the prior arrangement.

Common Contexts

You often hear 待ち合わせる in casual and formal conversations about meeting friends, colleagues, or dates. It implies a mutual agreement on where and when to meet.

Typical Collocations

  • 待ち合わせる場所 (meeting place): specifies the location.
  • 待ち合わせる時間 (meeting time): specifies the time.
  • 待ち合わせる駅 (meeting station): common for train stations.

Usage Notes

This verb is transitive and usually takes a direct object indicating the person or place involved. It differs from just 会う (to meet) by stressing the planned nature of the meeting.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 待ち合わせる with 待つ (to wait). Remember, 待ち合わせる means to meet by arrangement, not just to wait.

Example Sentences

えきのまえでともだちとまちあわせる。

I will meet my friend in front of the station.

まちあわせるじかんにおくれてしまった。

I was late for the meeting time.

かふぇでまちあわせてからえいがにいこう。

Let's meet at the café first and then go to the movies.