相まって
Combined with, Coupled with, Together with
Structure
(1) と
Explanation
相まって is a grammar point that expresses how two or more factors (A) and (B) combine to produce a synergistic result (C). It implies that the outcome is greater or more significant because these elements are working together, rather than if they were acting alone. This expression is formed from the kanji 相, meaning 'mutual', and the て-form of the verb 俟つ, which means 'to wait on' or 'to depend on'.
In a sentence, the elements that are combining will typically appear before 相まって, and are often connected by particles such as と or が. This pattern can be translated into English as '(A), in combination with (B), results in (C)' or 'thanks to both (A) and (B), (C) occurs'. A more literal interpretation might be 'mutually depending on one another, (C) is achieved', which helps to capture the nuance of interdependence. See the fun fact below for more on this.
- 満開の桜が青空と相まって、素晴らしい景色を作り出している。The fully bloomed cherry blossoms, combined with the blue sky, are creating a magnificent view.
- その商品のデザインの良さと手頃な値段が相まって、大ヒット商品になった。The product's great design, coupled with its affordable price, made it a huge hit.
- このチーズはワインの香りと相まって、さらにおいしく感じられる。This cheese tastes even more delicious, enhanced by the aroma of the wine.
- 経験不足とプレッシャーが相まって、彼は大きなミスをしてしまった。His lack of experience, combined with the pressure, caused him to make a big mistake.
Fun Fact
While the kanji 俟つ 'to wait on' and the far more common 待つ 'to wait for' are very similar, their nuances differ. 待つ generally implies waiting for someone or something to arrive. In contrast, 俟つ suggests waiting for the right conditions to be met so that something can proceed or happen. This concept of 'waiting for pieces to fall into place' is central to 相まって, as it conveys that (A) and (B) rely on each other to bring about the final result (C). Because 俟つ is rarely used in modern Japanese, it is almost always written in hiragana.
Examples
長時間労働と睡眠不足が相まって、ついに体調を崩してしまいました。
The long working hours coupled with a lack of sleep finally caused my health to break down.
チョコレートの甘さとコーヒーの苦味が相まって、絶妙なハーモニーを生み出している。
The sweetness of the chocolate combined with the bitterness of the coffee creates an exquisite harmony.
古い町並みと静けさが相まって、どこか懐かしい雰囲気を醸し出している。
The old townscape together with the quietness creates a somewhat nostalgic atmosphere.
彼の才能とたゆまぬ努力が相まって、彼を世界トップの選手にしました。
His talent, combined with his tireless effort, made him a top player in the world.
ニュース記事：「円安と原材料価格の高騰が相まって、多くの企業が値上げを余儀なくされている。」
News Article: 'The weak yen, coupled with the soaring cost of raw materials, is forcing many companies to raise their prices.'
その曲は、美しいメロディーと心に響く歌詞が相まって、多くの人に愛される名曲となった。
The beautiful melody combined with the heart-touching lyrics has made that song a beloved masterpiece.
記録的な大雨と強風が相まって、各地で甚大な被害が出ています。
The record-breaking heavy rain, together with strong winds, is causing severe damage in various areas.
製品レビュー：「このノートパソコンは、軽量デザインと長時間バッテリーが相まって、外出先での使用に最適です。」
Product Review: 'This laptop's lightweight design, coupled with its long battery life, makes it ideal for use on the go.'
彼女の優しさと明るさが相まって、みんなから好かれている。
Her kindness, combined with her cheerfulness, makes her liked by everyone.
適度な運動とバランスの取れた食事が相まって、健康な体を作ります。
Moderate exercise, together with a balanced diet, builds a healthy body.
このドレスは、シンプルなデザインと上質な素材が相まって、洗練された印象を与える。
The simple design of this dress, coupled with its high-quality material, gives it a sophisticated impression.
ドキュメンタリー：「日本では少子化と高齢化が相まって、深刻な労働力不足を引き起こしている。」
Documentary: 'In Japan, the declining birthrate combined with an aging population is causing a serious labor shortage.'