Translation guide
The role of mediating between two parties, often in personal, business, or formal contexts. Japanese has several expressions depending on the nature of the mediation.
To act as an intermediary between two people or groups, facilitating communication or arrangement.
Neutral term for mediation or acting as an intermediary, often used in business or formal settings.
彼が両社の仲介をした。
He acted as a go-between for the two companies.
Similar to 仲介, but can also imply standing between parties to help them reach an agreement.
友人の仲立ちで知り合った。
We met through a friend's mediation.
Literally 'bridge-building', used for acting as a bridge between people or groups, often in a positive, connecting sense.
彼女が文化の橋渡し役を務めた。
She served as a bridge between the cultures.
To act as a go-between in romantic or personal introductions, such as arranged meetings.
Specifically a matchmaker or go-between for marriage or formal introductions.
仲人を立てて結婚した。
They got married with a go-between.
Mediation for an arranged meeting (omiai), often done by a third party.
叔母がお見合いの仲介をしてくれた。
My aunt acted as a go-between for the arranged meeting.
To mediate in a dispute or negotiation, helping parties reach an agreement.
Arbitration or mediation in a dispute, often with authority to settle the matter.
紛争の仲裁に入った。
He stepped in to mediate the dispute.
Conciliation or mediation, often used in legal or labor disputes.
To pass messages or facilitate communication in a casual, everyday context.
Literally 'to go between', used for stepping in to help communication or resolve a situation.
彼が間に入って話をまとめた。
He stepped in and settled the matter.
To act as a go-between to foster a relationship or smooth things over.
彼女が二人の仲を取り持った。
She acted as a go-between for the two of them.
仲介 (chuukai) is general mediation, while 仲裁 (chuusai) implies resolving a conflict with some authority. Use 仲介 for neutral facilitation and 仲裁 when there is a dispute to settle.
The English phrase 'acting as a go-between' is often expressed with specific verbs or nouns in Japanese. Avoid directly translating word-for-word; instead, choose the term that fits the context (e.g., 仲介, 仲裁, 仲人).
労働争議の調停を行う。
They mediate labor disputes.