Grammar Info

N3 Lesson 3: 15/22

()To or for one another, Mutually, With

Structure

Verb[ます+ ()

Details

  • Register

    Standard

About 合う

When following the conjunctive form of another verb, the う - Verb () means to do that action in concert with another person/group. This is often translated as 'to mutually do (A)', or 'to do (A) for one another'. Realistically, it just means 'to do (A) reciprocally', with involvement from both sides being required. In this usage, () is considered to be a suffix.

This construction is often used with expressions like お(たが)いに 'mutually', which simply emphasizes the point.

Fun Fact

While () is regularly translated as 'to fit', or 'to meet' in English, its meaning is somewhat broader in Japanese. () means to perform an action 'as one', where it is not possible (or would be difficult) to complete the action by oneself. Due to this, it is regularly used to describe ideal situations in which individuals should be doing something together, without thinking about their own personal gain.

  • こういう(とき)こそ、(たす)()大切(たいせつ)よ。
    At times like this, it is important to help each other out.
  • 私達(わたしたち)夫婦(ふうふ)なんだからどんなことあっても協力(きょうりょく)()ないといけないよ。
    We are husband and wife, so no matter what happens, we need to cooperate.

Caution

() may also be used to in regard to sports/contests. In these cases, it may seem like players are not doing the action 'for' each other, but involvement from both sides is required to make the act possible.

  • (ぜん)チーム賞金(しょうきん)かけて(きそ)()
    Every team competed against each other with the prize money on the line.

Examples

--:--

    高校(こうこう)(ころ)(あに)とドッキリをよく仕掛(しか)()った...

    During our high school days, my brother and I often pranked one another

    協力(きょうりょく)()ったしながら(やま)をゆっくりと(のぼ)った。

    We slowly climbed the mountain while aiding one another (among other things).

    EUで交流(こうりゅう)()ことは重要(じゅうよう)だと(かんが)えられている。

    In the European Union, (to do) mutual cultural exchange is considered important.

    友達(ともだち)(くる)しんでる(とき)は、(たす)()べきだね。」

    'Friends ought to help one another in times of trouble, right?'

    かなださき:「私達(わたしたち)同時(どうじ)告白(こくはく)()ったんだよ!」

    Saki Kanada: 'We professed our love for one another at the same time!'

  • Get more example sentences!

    Premium users get access to 12 example sentences on all Grammar Points.

Self-Study Sentences

Study your own way!

Add sentences and study them alongside Bunpro sentences.

合う – Grammar Discussion

    There's currently no discussion for 合う
    Ask questions and learn together with other Bunpro users!