1.
to postpone, to hold off, to suspend
To temporarily refrain from doing something, especially a planned action or decision, due to unfavorable circumstances or the need for more consideration.
出発を見合わせる。
To postpone the departure.
天候により運行を見合わせております。
Service has been suspended due to weather conditions.
状況を見て判断を見合わせた。
I held off on making a decision after seeing the situation.
2.
to look at each other, to exchange glances
For two or more people to look at each other's faces, often in reaction to something surprising or uncertain.
二人は顔を見合わせた。
The two looked at each other.
驚いて顔を見合わせる。
To exchange surprised glances.
知らせを聞いて、みんなは顔を見合わせた。
Hearing the news, everyone exchanged glances.
見合わせる has two distinct meanings that depend on context.
**Sense 1: To postpone**
Common in announcements about suspensions or delays. Very frequently used in public transportation contexts.
- 運転を見合わせる (suspend train service)
- 発売を見合わせる (postpone a release)
**Sense 2: To look at each other**
Often used with 顔を (face) to describe people exchanging glances.
- 顔を見合わせる (to look at each other's faces)
Transitivity: 他動詞 (transitive)
Conjugation: 一段 (ichidan/ru-verb)
Related words:
- 延期する: to postpone (more formal)
- 中止する: to cancel
- 見詰め合う: to gaze at each other