GRAMMAR DETAIL
に合わせて
Indicates adjusting an action or state to match a reference time or condition.
Examples
列車の到着に合わせて、駅前の店が開いた。
The store in front of the station opened in time for the train's arrival.
Words used
子どもの背の高さに合わせて、机を調整した。
I adjusted the desk to match the child's height.
Words used
音楽に合わせて子どもたちが踊った。
The children danced to the music.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Attach
に合わせて（にあわせて）to a reference noun to match timing, size, movement, or another feature. - Basic usage:
子どもの背の高さに合わせて、机を調整した。uses the child's height as the reference for adjusting the desk.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- The reference and what is adjusted
- In
机を身長に合わせる,机をmarks what is adjusted and身長にthe reference. Do not reverse the reference beforeに合わせてand the item being adjusted.
- In
- Deliberate adjustment and accompanying change
成長に合わせて机を高くするdescribes an adjustment to growth, while成長につれて背が高くなるdescribes a change accompanying growth. Distinguish an act of matching from a change that develops naturally.