合う
To do for one another, Mutually, With
Structure
Explanation
When the う-Verb 合う is attached as a suffix to the conjunctive form (stem) of another verb, it signifies that the action is done together or reciprocally. This grammar point expresses a sense of mutuality, and can be translated as 'to do (A) with each other' or 'to do (A) together'. The key idea is that the action requires participation from all parties involved.
To further stress the reciprocal nature of the action, this pattern is frequently used with adverbs like お互いに, meaning 'mutually'.
- 私たちはよく小さなことで言い合う。We often argue with each other over small things.
- 駅で再会したカップルが抱き合っていた。The couple who reunited at the station were hugging each other.
- 私たちはジョークを言って笑い合った。We told jokes and laughed together.
Fun Fact
While the verb 合う by itself usually means 'to fit' or 'to meet', its role as a suffix is to convey the joining of actions into a single, unified activity. It implies that the action would be difficult or impossible to perform alone. Because of this, it is often used to describe positive, cooperative situations where people work toward a common goal rather than for their own individual benefit.
- いいチームになるためには、お互いを信じ合うことが必要だ。In order to become a good team, it's necessary to believe in each other.
- 家族なんだから、困難な時は支え合わなきゃだめだよ。We're family, so when times are tough, we have to support one another.
Caution
This grammar pattern can also be applied to competitive scenarios, such as sports or contests. In these contexts, while the participants are not acting 'for' each other's benefit, the action itself still requires the mutual involvement of all sides to happen.
- ライバル同士が決勝戦で戦い合うことになった。It was decided that the rivals would fight against each other in the final match.
Examples
二人の男は路上で殴り合っていた。
The two men were punching each other on the street.
二人は黙って見つめ合った。
The two of them silently gazed at one another.
問題があれば、まずはお互いに相談し合うことが大切だ。
If there's a problem, it's important to first consult with each other.
「家族なんだから、大変な時は支え合うべきよ。」
'We're family, so we ought to support each other during tough times.'
僕たちは励まし合って、辛い練習を乗り越えた。
We got through the grueling practice by encouraging one another.
あきやまひろき：「昨日の夜、友人と政治について朝まで議論し合ったんだ。」
Hiroki Akiyama: 'Last night, my friend and I debated politics with each other until morning.'
あの二人は喧嘩してから、ずっと許し合えずにいる。
Ever since their fight, those two have been unable to forgive each other.
彼らはライバルだったが、お互いの実力を認め合える関係だった。
They were rivals, but they had a relationship where they could respect each other's abilities.
夜遅くまで語り合った思い出は忘れられない。
I can't forget the memories of us chatting deeply with each other until late at night.
母親：「兄弟なんだから、おやつは分かち合いなさい。」
Mother: 'You're brothers, so you need to share your snacks with each other.'
もし私たちが愛し合っていたら、結果は違っていただろう。
If we had truly loved one another, the outcome probably would have been different.
喧嘩の時にひどいことを言い合うのはやめよう。
Let's stop saying awful things to each other when we argue.