Grammar Info
N3 Lesson 3: 16/22

に合(あ)わせて
In accordance with, matching, fitting・suitable for・adjust/ tune to

Structure
Noun + 合わせて
Noun + に合った + Noun
Details
Register Standard
使用域 一般
Information
When the る - Verb 合(あ)わせる (sometimes 併(あ)せる) is seen in the form 合(あ)わせて, it conveys that something has been made to ‘match (A)’ or ‘fit with (A)’. (A) being a noun that appears before , followed by 合(あ)わせて. This structure can also have the nuance of ‘in accordance with (A)’, highlighting that (A) is the governing factor.
It is also possible to see the う - Verb 合(あ)う used in its past tense form, linking an (A) noun to a (B) noun. This has a similar meaning, but is closer to ‘(B) that has met (A)’.
In sentences that use either of these expressions, more information is usually given about why something is happening in accordance with (A), or what the purpose of (B) meeting (A) is/was.
  • 音楽(おんがく)に合(あ)わせてギター弾(ひ)く練習(れんしゅう)ています
    I am practicing playing my guitar along with music.
  • 相手(あいて)に合(あ)わせて話(はな)し方(かた)変(か)えるは疲(つ)れる。
    It is exhausting to change how you talk in accordance with who you are talking to.
  • このソファーあったテーブル買(か)おう
    Lets buy a table that matches this couch.
  • 壁紙(かべがみ)あった家具(かぐ)が欲(ほ)しい
    I want furniture that matches the wallpaper.
Caution
With 合(あ)わせて, sometimes the meaning is as simple as ‘at the same time as (A)’, or ‘together with (A)’. However, (A) will still be perceived as being the primary cause/reason for whatever happens in the (B) part of the sentence.
  • リズムに合(あ)わせて歌(うた)歌(うた)う。
    I sing while matching the rhythm. (I sing to the rhythm)
  • 合図(あいず)に合(あ)わせてスタートする
    To start in accordance with the signal.
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合図(あいず)に合(あ)わせて、スタートしてください。
In accordance with the signal, please begin.
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初心者(しょしんしゃ)に合(あ)った文法(ぶんぽう)教科書(きょうかしょ)を書(か)こうと思(おも)う
I plan to write a grammar textbook suitable for beginners.
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状況(じょうきょう)に合(あ)わせて、やり方(かた)を変(か)えてください。
Change your approach in accordance with the situation.
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Books
Tobira
Page 236