(であ)

であい
noun
encounter, meeting
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)()える出会(であ)いがあった。
I had an encounter that changed my life.
(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.

KANJI VARIANTS:

  • 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:

  • 〜との出会(であ)い (encounter with ~)
  • 運命(うんめい)出会(であ)い (fateful encounter)
  • (あたら)しい出会(であ)い (new encounters)
  • 出会(であ)いを(もと)める (to seek encounters/connections)

MODERN USAGE:

  • 出会(であ)(けい)サイト (dating site)
  • 出会(であ)いの() (place to meet people)

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

Related Words