噛み合わせる

• Reading: かみあわせる
• Romaji: kamiawaseru
• Kanji breakdown: 噛 (ka) — bite, chew; 合 (gou) — fit together; わせる — causative suffix
• Pronunciation: /ka.mi.a.wa.se.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To cause parts to mesh or fit together; to align precisely; to coordinate two systems or schedules so they work in tandem.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb formed as the causative of 噛み合う. Used when actively making two things interlock, whether mechanical components, workflows, or team schedules. Also appears in dental contexts to describe how the upper and lower teeth are aligned. The causative form implies a deliberate act of coordination rather than a natural coming-together.

Examples

1. 部品を正確に噛み合わせてから、ボルトで固定してください。 Please mesh the parts precisely before securing them with bolts.
2. 上下の歯をしっかり噛み合わせると、顎のラインが整って見える。 When you bite down firmly with your upper and lower teeth aligned, your jaw line looks more defined.
3. 二つのチームの作業を噛み合わせることで、無駄のない進行が実現した。 By coordinating the work of the two teams, they achieved a smooth, waste-free workflow.

Usage Guide

Context: engineering, dentistry, coordination, project management

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Causative form of 噛み合う, formed by adding the causative suffix -わせる. Literally means to cause biting-together to occur, extended to any deliberate act of alignment.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: All classes