1.
running into someone; bumping into; unexpected encounter
An unplanned meeting with someone, often in an awkward or unwelcome situation. Literally refers to two heads bumping together.
An unexpected, often unwelcome encounter. The word comes from the image of two people bumping heads (鉢 refers to the top of the head).
Common collocations
- 鉢合わせする (to run into someone)
- 鉢合わせになる (to end up running into each other)
- 偶然鉢合わせする (to accidentally run into)
Often implies the encounter is inconvenient, embarrassing, or unwanted. Used more dramatically than 出くわす (to come across) or 偶然会う (to meet by chance).