Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 合わせる | awaseru | [a̠β̞a̠se̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 結び付ける | musubitsukeru | [mɯ̟sɨbʲit͡sɨke̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 結合する | ketsugo suru | |
| 合併する | gappei suru |
The general concept of bringing two or more things or activities together can be expressed using various Japanese terms depending on whether the combination is physical, abstract, administrative or technical.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb 合わせる is the causative form of the intransitive verb 合う (au), which means 'to fit' or 'to match'. Literally, it means 'to make things fit or match together'.
Which one should you use?
合わせる is the most versatile and common way to say 'combine' or 'bring together' in a general sense. 結び付ける is used for combining abstract concepts or ideas, often implying a connection or correlation between them. 結合する is a technical term used for the physical or chemical combination of substances or parts, such as molecules or mechanical components. 合併する is used in business or administrative contexts, specifically for the combination of organizations like companies merging or municipalities joining together.
How does it change in a sentence?
合わせる is a transitive verb, which means it requires a direct object, typically marked with the particle を, to show what is being combined.
How do you pronounce it?
awaseru
Did you know?
- The verb 結び付ける comes from the root 'musubi', which relates to 'knots' or 'tying'. In Japanese culture, this implies not just a functional combination, but a deep, often spiritual, connection between two entities.
- The technical term 結合する is used in Japanese anime and gaming to describe the process of two robots merging into one larger entity.
- The verb 合わせる is used for the specific action of putting your palms together in prayer or greeting, which is a physical 'combination' of the hands.
Examples in context
- 2つの自治体を合わせるCombine two municipalitiesThis sentence shows how to use 合わせる when combining municipalities.
- 理論と実際を結び付けるべきだ。You should combine theory with practice.This sentence illustrates the use of 結び付ける for connecting abstract ideas like theory and practice.Tatoeba #78357 by mookeee, translation #325359 by Dejo
- 異なる要素を結合することで、新しい製品を作ります。By combining different elements, we create a new product.
- デザインと機能を合わせた製品が人気です。Products that combine design and functionality are popular.
- 卵と砂糖を混ぜて生地を作ります。Combine eggs and sugar to make the batter.
- ロボットが合体して強力な兵器になるんだよ！The robots combine to form a powerful weapon!
- 二つのアイデアを合わせる。Futatsu no aidea o awaseru.Combine two ideas.
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are discussing a project at a cafe.
- 陽葵 Himari二つの案を合わせるのはどうかな？Futatsu no an o awaseru no wa dou kana?How about combining the two plans?
- 蓮 Renそれはいい考えだね。Sore wa ii kangae dane.That's a good idea.
- 陽葵 Himari蓮君の意見も入れたいんだ。Ren-kun no iken mo iretai nda.I want to include your opinion too, Ren.
- 蓮 Renありがとう、やってみよう。Arigatou, yattemiyou.Thanks, let's try it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “combine” translations and entries 合わせる, 結び付ける, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
