呼吸が合う

• Reading: こきゅうがあう
• Romaji: kokyuu ga au
• Kanji breakdown: 呼 (ko) — call, breathe; 吸 (kyū) — inhale, suck; 合 (gō/a) — match, fit
• Pronunciation: /ko.kjɯː.ɡa.a.ɯ/

Meaning

To be in sync; to work well together; to hit it off. Describes when two people's timing and rhythm match perfectly.

An idiomatic expression using the Group 1 (godan) verb 合う. Literally means one's breathing matches. Used to describe excellent teamwork, natural compatibility between people, or perfect timing in collaborative activities such as music, sports, or conversation.

Examples

1. あのコンビは呼吸が合っていて見ていて気持ちいい。 That duo is so in sync — it's a pleasure to watch.
2. 長年一緒に働いてきたから呼吸が合うんだ。 We've worked together for so long that we're totally in tune with each other.
3. パートナーと呼吸が合わないと、ダンスはうまくいかない。 If you and your partner aren't in sync, the dance just won't work.

Usage Guide

Context: teamwork, performance, relationships

Tone: positive

Origin & History

From 呼吸 (breathing, respiration) and 合う (to match, to fit). Rooted in the idea that people who breathe in unison — like musicians or martial artists — are perfectly synchronized.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal