JLPT N4・N5 Grammar – Difference between “〜に会う/合う” and “〜と会う/合う”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “〜に会う” and “〜と会う”
2. (人) に／と会う
3. ＡはＢ (もの) に合う
4. Summary
5. Similar Articles
6. Comment
Q: “I don’t understand the difference between “友達に会う” and “友達と会う.” Do they mean the same thing?”
A: “You can use both “～に会う” and “〜と会う.”
However, there is a difference in how the action between the speaker and the listener is expressed.
This article also explains the similarly used “合う.”
(人) に／と会う (JLPT N5)
“に” represents a one-sided action by the speaker, while “と” represents a mutual action between the speaker and the listener.
[Examples]
わたしははなこさんに会います。
I will meet Hanako.
⇒ The speaker’s perspective is one-sided, and Hanako’s action is not considered.
わたしははなこさんと会います。
I will meet with Hanako.
⇒ The speaker’s perspective includes the actions of both the speaker and Hanako.
In addition to “会う” (to meet), you can also use both “に” and “と” with verbs like “話す” (to talk) and “相談する” (to consult).
[Examples]
友達に話しました。
I talked to my friend.
友達と話しました。
I talked with my friend.
留学について両親に相談しました。
I consulted my parents about studying abroad.
留学について両親と相談しました。
I discussed studying abroad with my parents.
However, “に” is used when the action starts from the speaker’s one-sided perspective.
[Example]
道でぐうぜんまりさんに会いました。
I ran into Mari on the street.
ＡはＢ (もの) に／と合う (JLPT N4)
The basic concept is the same with “会う,” but there are some differences.
When using “に合う,” the focus is on B, with the nuance that A enhances B. On the other hand, when using “と合う,” it indicates that A and B together create something better.
[Examples]
この料理はビールに合います。
This dish goes well with beer.
⇒ The focus is on the beer, expressing that the beer makes the dish taste even better.
この料理はビールと合います。
This dish pairs well with beer.
⇒ It doesn’t focus on either one specifically; instead, it expresses that the combination of the dish and the beer makes them taste even better together.
In addition to food and drinks, “に合う” can also be used to describe compatibility with clothing, interior design, colors, and music, while “と合う” can be used for relationships, colors, and music.
However, in the case of human relationships, since the interaction is more mutual, “と” is used.”
[Examples]
◯ このピアスは青いドレスによく合っています。
This pair of earrings matches the blue dress well.
◯ このピアスは青いドレスとよく合っています。
This pair of earrings goes well with the blue dress.
◯ このジャズはこのレストランの雰囲気に合っています。
This jazz music matches the atmosphere of this restaurant.
◯ このジャズはこのレストランの雰囲気と合っています。
This jazz music goes well with the atmosphere of this restaurant.
× わたしは彼に合います。
◯ わたしは彼と合います。
I get along well with him.
⇒ It means “compatibility is good.”
Summary
[人に会う]
- “に” represents a one-sided action, while “と” represents a mutual action.
[ＡはＢ(もの)に合う」
- The focus is on B, with the nuance that A enhances B.
- “A matches with B (object)” expresses that both A and B come together to create something better.
