Translation guide
The English word 'mutual' describes something shared, reciprocal, or felt by two or more parties toward each other. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific adjectives, adverbs, and verbs that emphasize reciprocity, as well as through sentence patterns. The most common and natural ways to express 'mutual' depend on whether you are describing a feeling, an action, or a relationship.
Expressing that a feeling, understanding, or state is shared between two or more people.
A formal adjective meaning 'mutual' or 'reciprocal'. Commonly used in written or formal contexts to describe mutual understanding, trust, or cooperation.
相互理解が大切です。
Mutual understanding is important.
相互信頼を築く。
To build mutual trust.
A more casual and common way to say 'mutual' in everyday speech. Literally 'each other's'. Used for mutual feelings, relationships, or actions.
お互いの気持ちを話し合おう。
Let's talk about our mutual feelings.
お互いの友達を紹介した。
We introduced our mutual friends.
Means 'common' or 'shared'. Used when two or more people have the same thing, like a mutual friend or interest. Not strictly 'mutual' in the reciprocal sense, but often translates naturally.
共通の友達がいる。
We have a mutual friend.
共通の趣味は読書です。
Our mutual hobby is reading.
Describing actions that are done by two or more parties to or for each other.
The adverb 'お互いに' (mutually, each other) combined with a verb. This is the most natural way to express mutual actions in Japanese.
お互いに助け合おう。
Let's help each other mutually.
お互いにプレゼントを交換した。
We exchanged presents mutually.
Formal adverb meaning 'mutually' or 'reciprocally'. Used in business or official contexts.
両国は相互に協力する。
The two countries cooperate mutually.
A verb suffix meaning 'to do mutually'. Attach to the stem of a verb to indicate a reciprocal action. Common in compound verbs like 助け合う (help each other), 話し合う (discuss), 愛し合う (love each other).
私たちは愛し合っている。
We love each other mutually.
話し合って解決しよう。
Let's discuss it and resolve it mutually.
Describing a relationship that is reciprocal or shared between parties.
A noun meaning 'mutual relationship' or 'interrelationship'. Used in formal or academic contexts.
二つの事象の相互関係を調べる。
To investigate the mutual relationship between the two phenomena.
A more conversational way to say 'mutual relationship'. Literally 'each other's relationship'.
お互いの関係を大切にしよう。
Let's cherish our mutual relationship.
Expressing that something is beneficial for all parties involved.
A noun meaning 'mutual benefit'. Common in business or diplomatic language.
相互利益のために協力する。
To cooperate for mutual benefit.
A casual phrase meaning 'to be for each other's benefit' or 'to be mutually beneficial'.
この取引はお互いのためになる。
This deal is mutually beneficial.
相互 (そうご) is more formal and often used in written or official contexts, while お互い (おたがい) is casual and common in everyday speech. Both mean 'mutual' or 'each other', but お互い is more versatile for personal relationships.
The English word 'mutual' is sometimes borrowed as ミューチュアル in specific contexts like 'mutual fund' (投資信託), but it is not a general translation. Using it for everyday mutual feelings or actions sounds unnatural.
私たちには共通の友達がいます。
We have a mutual friend.
関係において相互尊重は重要です。
Mutual respect is important in a relationship.
彼らはお互いに条件に同意した。
They mutually agreed to the terms.