Translation guide
The English verb 'negotiate' covers a range of situations from formal business deals to everyday discussions. In Japanese, the best translation depends on the context: formal negotiations, bargaining over price, or simply discussing terms. This guide helps you choose the most natural expression.
To discuss something formally in order to reach an agreement, especially in business, politics, or official settings.
The most common and neutral word for formal negotiations. Used for business deals, diplomatic talks, etc.
新しい契約について交渉しています。
We are negotiating a new contract.
彼らは賃上げを交渉した。
They negotiated a pay raise.
A more formal or literary term for negotiations, often implying back-and-forth discussion. Common in news or business contexts.
労使間で折衝が続いている。
Negotiations between labor and management are ongoing.
Loanword from English, used in business contexts but less common than 交渉. Can sound slightly trendy.
今日はクライアントとネゴシエーションする。
I'm going to negotiate with the client today.
To discuss the price or conditions of something in order to get a better deal, often in markets or informal settings.
Specifically means to haggle over price. Very common in shopping contexts.
市場で値切るのが好きです。
I like to bargain at the market.
彼はいつも値切ろうとする。
He always tries to negotiate the price.
A more general phrase meaning 'to negotiate the price'. Slightly more formal than 値切る.
中古車の値段の交渉をした。
I negotiated the price of the used car.
Refers to bargaining or tactical maneuvering in negotiations, often with a nuance of strategy or bluffing.
彼は駆け引きが上手だ。
He's good at bargaining (using tactics).
To talk about the details of an arrangement or agreement in a less formal way, such as with friends or in everyday situations.
Means 'to discuss' or 'to talk over'. Used when negotiating terms through conversation rather than formal bargaining.
旅行の計画について話し合おう。
Let's negotiate the travel plans.
彼と給料のことを話し合った。
I discussed (negotiated) the salary with him.
Means 'to consult' or 'to discuss'. Implies seeking agreement or advice, often used when negotiating plans.
日程を相談しましょう。
Let's negotiate the schedule.
To successfully move through or deal with a challenging physical or abstract situation.
Means to overcome or get through a difficulty. Used metaphorically for negotiating a tricky situation.
彼は困難をうまく切り抜けた。
He successfully negotiated the difficulties.
Means to surmount or overcome. Can be used for obstacles or hardships.
Literally 'to pass through skillfully'. Used for physically negotiating a narrow path or crowded area.
人混みをうまく通って駅に着いた。
I negotiated the crowd and arrived at the station.
交渉する is for formal negotiations (contracts, diplomacy), while 値切る is specifically for haggling over price in shops or markets. Using 交渉する for price bargaining can sound overly formal or unnatural.
値切るのは日本の店ではあまり一般的ではありません。
Bargaining is not very common in Japanese stores.
In English, 'negotiate' can be used loosely for any discussion to reach an agreement. In Japanese, using 交渉する for casual situations (like deciding where to eat) sounds too heavy. Use 話し合う or 相談する instead.
その問題を乗り越える方法を考えよう。
Let's think of a way to negotiate this problem.