出会(であ)い

であい
noun
encounter, meeting
society
1. encounter, meeting
The act of meeting someone, especially for the first time or by chance. Often implies a meaningful or fateful encounter. The noun form of 出会(であ)う.
彼女(かのじょ)との出会(であ)いは偶然(ぐうぜん)だった。
My encounter with her was by chance.
人生(じんせい)を変(か)える出会(であ)いがあった。
I had an encounter that changed my life.
新(あたら)しい出会(であ)いを大切(たいせつ)にしたい。
I want to cherish new encounters.

Usage: 出会(であ)い often implies a significant or meaningful meeting, not just a casual encounter. Commonly used in romantic contexts and stories about fate.

Writing

  • 出会(であ)い - general use, emphasizes the meeting aspect
  • 出合(であ)い - can also be used, sometimes emphasizes chance

Common patterns

Modern usage

Related: The verb form is 出会(であ)う (to meet, to encounter).

Related Words

Related: 出会(であ)う (verb form)
Synonym: 巡(めぐ)り合(あ)い (fateful encounter (poetic))
Compare: 恋活(こいかつ) (dating activities)
Compare: 邂逅(かいこう) (chance meeting)
general
Added 2026.1.12 18:30 · Revised 2026.9.2 12:02
03000/03445_deai