に合わせて
In accordance with, Matching, Fitting, Suitable for, Adjust or tune to
Structure
Noun + に合った + Noun
Explanation
The る-Verb 合わせる (occasionally 併せる), when used in its て-form as 合わせて, indicates that an action is performed to 'suit (A)' or 'be in line with (A)'. The noun (A) is marked by the particle に and serves as the standard or guide for the following action. This construction often carries the nuance of 'in accordance with (A)', emphasizing that (A) is the deciding factor.
It is also common to see the う-Verb 合う used in its past tense form to modify a noun. In this Aに合ったB pattern, it expresses the idea that '(B) is suitable for (A)' or '(B) goes well with (A)'.
In most cases, sentences using either of these patterns will include extra information explaining the purpose of adjusting to (A), or why it is necessary for (B) to be suitable for (A).
- テンポに合わせて体を動かすのが楽しい。It's fun to move your body to the tempo.
- 天気に合わせて旅行の計画を変えましょう。Let's change our travel plans according to the weather.
- この服にあった帽子を探しています。I'm looking for a hat that goes with these clothes.
- 今日の気分にあった映画が見たい。I want to watch a movie that fits my mood today.
Caution
In some contexts, 合わせて simply means 'in sync with (A)' or 'together with (A)'. Nevertheless, (A) is still treated as the guiding element or reason for the action in the second part of the sentence.
- 曲に合わせて手をたたく。I clap my hands in time with the song.
- 先生の声に合わせてみんなで手を上げる。Everyone raises their hands together in accordance with the teacher's voice.
Examples
予算に合わせて、旅行のプランを立てましょう。
Let's make travel plans that fit our budget.
人数に合わせて、材料の量を変えてください。
Please change the amount of ingredients according to the number of people.
ピアノのリズムに合わせて、手をたたきましょう。
Let's clap our hands in time with the piano's rhythm.
お客さまのご要望に合わせて、製品をカスタマイズします。
We customize our products to meet our customers' demands.
自分の収入に合った生活をすることが大事です。
It's important to live a lifestyle that fits within your income.
この部屋の雰囲気に合った絵を探しています。
I am looking for a painting that matches the atmosphere of this room.
あなたの能力に合った役職をご用意しました。
We have prepared a position that is suited to your abilities.
体調に合った食事を作ってあげた。
I made a meal that was appropriate for his physical condition.
学生のレベルに合わせて、教え方を工夫する必要がある。
It is necessary to adjust your teaching method to match the students' level.
自分のペースに合わせて、運動を続けることが大切だ。
It's important to continue exercising at a pace that suits you.
目的に合った方法を選ばないと、時間の無駄だよ。
If you don't choose a method that suits the purpose, it's a waste of time.
彼の年齢に合った映画を見に行きました。
We went to see a movie that was appropriate for his age.