131
合
Combine, Match, Fit
あ(う) (au), あ(わせる) (awaseru), あ(わす) (awasu)
JLPT N4
Interesting Fact
合 originally pictured a container with a lid fitting perfectly on top. 🏺 The lid and the container had to match exactly to close properly. Over time, this simple image expanded to mean combine, fit, match, and come together.
Memory Trick
📦 A delivery box finally finds the correct lid. It closes with a satisfying click because both pieces fit together perfectly. That's 合.
Readings
Onyomi: ゴウ (gou), ガツ (gatsu)
Kunyomi: あ(う) (au), あ(わせる) (awaseru), あ(わす) (awasu)
Example Words
合う
あう (au)
To match, fit
会合
かいごう (kaigou)
Meeting
合計
ごうけい (goukei)
Total
場合
ばあい (baai)
Case, situation
Example Sentence
この 靴は 私の 足に 合います。
この くつは わたしの あしに あいます。
kono kutsu wa watashi no ashi ni aimasu
These shoes fit my feet.