Grammar Info

N3 Lesson 3: 16/22

()わせて

In accordance with, Matching, Fitting, Suitable for, Adjust or tune to

Structure

Noun + ()わせて
Noun + ()った + Noun

Details

  • Register

    Standard

  • 使用域

    一般

About に合わせて・に合った

When the る - Verb ()わせる (sometimes ()せる) is seen in the form ()わせて, it conveys that something has been made to 'match (A)' or 'fit with (A)'. (A) being a noun that appears before , followed by ()わせて. This structure can also have the nuance of 'in accordance with (A)', highlighting that (A) is the governing factor.
It is also possible to see the う - Verb () used in its past tense form, linking an (A) noun to a (B) noun. This has a similar meaning, but is closer to '(B) that has met (A)'.
In sentences that use either of these expressions, more information is usually given about why something is happening in accordance with (A), or what the purpose of (B) meeting (A) is/was.
  • 音楽(おんがく)()わせてギター()練習(れんしゅう)ています
    I am practicing playing my guitar along with music.
  • 相手(あいて)()わせて(はな)(かた)()える(つか)れる。
    It is exhausting to change how you talk in accordance with who you are talking to.
  • このソファーにあったテーブル()おう
    Lets buy a table that matches this couch.
  • 壁紙(かべがみ)にあった家具(かぐ)()しい
    I want furniture that matches the wallpaper.
Caution
With ()わせて, sometimes the meaning is as simple as 'at the same time as (A)', or 'together with (A)'. However, (A) will still be perceived as being the primary cause/reason for whatever happens in the (B) part of the sentence.
  • リズム()わせて(うた)(うた)う。
    I sing while matching the rhythm. (I sing to the rhythm)
  • 合図(あいず)()わせてスタートする
    To start in accordance with the signal.

Examples

  • 合図(あいず)()わせて、スタートしてください。

    In accordance with the signal, please begin.

  • 初心者(しょしんしゃ)()った文法(ぶんぽう)教科書(きょうかしょ)()こうと(おも)

    I plan to write a grammar textbook suitable for beginners.

  • 状況(じょうきょう)()わせて、やり(かた)()えてください。

    Change your approach in accordance with the situation.

  • (わたし)()った(ふく)(えら)んで。

    Please choose some clothes that suit me.

  • あの音楽(おんがく)()わせて(おど)ろう

    Let's dance (in accordance) with that music.

  • Get more example sentences!

    Premium users get access to 12 example sentences on all Grammar Points.

Self-Study Sentences

Study your own way!

Add sentences and study them alongside Bunpro sentences.

に合わせて・に合った – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (7 in total)

  • ljoekelsoey

    ljoekelsoey

    About 3 years ago

    に似合う specifically holds a nuance of looking good with something.

    その洋服は似合うよ! those clothes look good (on you)

  • Johnathan-Weir

    Johnathan-Weir

    About 3 years ago

    @ljoekelsoey
    Yeah, the fact it is often used with clothes was what was throwing me off when I saw the sentence:

    「私に合った服を選んで」

    So do think this would be more literally “clothes that fit (i.e. size)” or would this still kind of have the same nuance as “clothes that look good on me”?

  • ljoekelsoey

    ljoekelsoey

    About 3 years ago

    Without any context, and given you’re talking about clothes and people, it could be either really. To extrapolate a little, if it were something like 私のシャッツに合ったズボンを選んで, this generally means the trousers and the top go together, but doesn’t suggest they look good on you as such.

    I can buy a great pair of leather trousers that fit perfectly and go with a nice white shirt, I ce...

Got questions about に合わせて・に合った? Join us to discuss, ask, and learn together!

Join the Discussion