1.
encounter; running into; coming across
An unexpected meeting or encounter, often with something unpleasant, dangerous, or noteworthy. Carries a stronger, more dramatic nuance than simply meeting someone.
熊に遭遇した。
I encountered a bear.
思いがけない場面に遭遇して驚いた。
I was surprised to come across an unexpected scene.
登山中に激しい雷雨に遭遇し、一時避難を余儀なくされた。
We encountered a severe thunderstorm while climbing and were forced to take temporary shelter.
USAGE NOTES:
遭遇 typically implies an unexpected or dramatic encounter. It is often used with unpleasant or dangerous situations (wild animals, storms, accidents), but can also describe unexpected positive encounters.
PARTICLE PATTERNS:
- に遭遇する (to encounter/run into...)
- との遭遇 (encounter with...)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 事故に遭遇する (to encounter an accident)
- 野生動物に遭遇する (to encounter a wild animal)
- 偶然の遭遇 (chance encounter)
- 遭遇戦 (chance battle, encounter battle)
SIMILAR WORDS:
出会う is the neutral, everyday word for meeting or encountering. 遭遇 is more formal and dramatic, often implying surprise or danger.