似合う

• Reading: にあう
• Romaji: niau
• Kanji breakdown: 似 (ji/ni) — resemble; 合 (gou/a) — fit, match
• Pronunciation: /ni.a.ɯ/

Meaning

To suit; to match; to look good on someone. When clothing, style, or a role fits a person well.

A Group 1 (godan) intransitive verb conjugated with the う row (似合わない, 似合います). Takes the pattern AがBに似合う (A suits B). Commonly used for clothing (その色が似合う, that color suits you), hairstyles, and personality-role fit. The phrase お似合い (a good match) is often used for couples. A staple compliment in Japanese: よく似合っていますね (it looks great on you).

Examples

1. その赤いワンピースがとても似合っているね。 That red dress looks great on you!
2. 新しい髪型が彼女によく似合っていた。 The new hairstyle really suited her.
3. あの二人はお似合いのカップルだと思う。 I think those two make a perfect couple.

Usage Guide

Context: fashion, compliments, relationships

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Compound of 似 (ni, to resemble) and 合う (au, to match/fit). Together, 'resembling and fitting' — a harmonious match between person and thing.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal