合う
au[a̠ɯ̟]
The Japanese phrase for 'to fit' is 合う (au).
The verb 合う is used to express that something is the right size or shape, such as clothing. It is also used more broadly to mean that things match or are appropriate, such as colors or tastes.
Which one should you use?
While 合う is the standard way to say something fits, you can use the adverb ピッタリ informally to emphasize that something fits exactly or is just right. For formal contexts where you mean to conform or be compatible, use 適合する.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the past tense 'fitted', use 合った. To say 'does not fit', use the negative form 合わない. If you are describing a current state, such as a shirt currently fitting you while you are wearing it, the form 合っている is often used.
How do you pronounce it?
au
Did you know?
- If you use 合う as a suffix to another verb, it transforms a single action into a mutual one. For example, 話し合う means 'to discuss' because it turns the act of 'talking' into 'talking with each other'.
- When you want to say you 'get along' with someone, Japanese people use the phrase 気が合う. This translates literally to 'spirits matching' or 'hearts matching', suggesting that compatibility is a shared essence.
- The verb 合う is a homophone for 会う, which means 'to meet' a person, though they use different characters.
Examples in context
- 私の新しいドレスはぴったり合っています。My new dress fits perfectly.
- このジャケットは君によく似合っているよ。This jacket suits you well.
- このサイズは私にピッタリだ。This size fits me perfectly.
- サイズが合うThe size fits
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are shopping for a new coffee table.
- 健太 Kentaこのテーブル、部屋のサイズに合うかな？Kono teeburu, heya no saizu ni au kana?Do you think this table will fit the size of the room?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、ちょうどいいと思うよ。Un, choudo ii to omou yo.Yeah, I think it's just right.
- 健太 Kentaよかった。デザインも合うね。Yokatta. Dezain mo au ne.That's good. The design fits too.
- 陽葵 Himari本当に、素敵な組み合わせだね。Hontou ni, suteki na kumiawase da ne.It really is a lovely combination.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 合う, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
