Meaning and Usage
The verb 揃う (そろう) primarily means "to become complete" or "to be gathered together." It is often used when all members of a group have arrived or when all parts of a set are present. It can also imply things being uniform or equal in quality or condition.
Common Contexts
- Gathering people: 揃う is used when everyone needed is present, e.g., in meetings or events.
- Completeness of items: Used to describe sets or collections where nothing is missing.
- Agreement or uniformity: It can describe opinions or conditions being aligned or consistent.
Collocations and Patterns
- 全員が揃う (ぜんいんがそろう): all members gather.
- 〜が揃っている: something is complete or all parts are present.
- 意見が揃う: opinions are in agreement.
Nuances and Tips
揃う is a versatile verb that can be used both for physical gathering and abstract alignment. It is polite and neutral, suitable for formal and informal contexts. Learners sometimes confuse 揃う with 集まる (あつまる), which also means "to gather," but 揃う emphasizes completeness or uniformity, while 集まる focuses on the act of gathering itself.
Use 揃う when you want to stress that everything or everyone needed is present or matched.