出会う

• Reading: であう
• Romaji: deau
• Kanji breakdown: 出 (shutsu/de) — go out, exit; 会 (kai/a) — meet, encounter
• Pronunciation: /de.a.ɯ/

Meaning

To meet by chance; to come across; to encounter unexpectedly.

A Group 1 (godan) intransitive verb conjugated with the う row (出会わない, 出会います). Emphasizes the element of chance or fate in meeting — different from 会う (to meet, planned or unplanned). Used for meeting people for the first time (素敵な人に出会う), encountering things (素晴らしい本に出会う), and chance encounters with animals or nature. Often carries a positive, fateful nuance.

Examples

1. 旅行先で一生の友達に出会った。 I met a lifelong friend while traveling.
2. この仕事に出会えて本当に良かった。 I'm really glad I came across this job.
3. 森の中で珍しい鳥に出会った。 I encountered a rare bird in the forest.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, travel, life experiences

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Compound verb from 出る (deru, to go out) and 会う (au, to meet). Together, 'going out and meeting' — the sense of encountering someone or something by going into the world.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal