会う vs 逢う

Japanese word comparison

How they differ

逢う is the alternative kanji-form used mainly in literary, poetic, or romantic contexts to evoke emotion or destiny in a meeting; 会う is the ordinary, neutral spelling used in daily conversation and writing.

When to use each

When to use 会う: Prefer 会う in ordinary conversation and writing for a straightforward statement about meeting someone.

When to use 逢う: Use 逢う in poetry, song lyrics, romantic prose, or when you want to emphasize a fated or deeply emotional meeting.

Side-by-side examples

1. 彼女に会って嬉しかった。
   (I was happy to see her.)
2. 月夜に恋人に逢う夢を見た。
   (I dreamed I met my lover on a moonlit night.)

• See the full Word of the Day entry for 会う
• Back to today's Japanese word

More 会う comparisons

• 会う vs 出会う
• 会う vs 面会する