The Japanese verb 交渉する (こうしょうする - kōshō suru) is a foundational term in both business and daily communication, representing the act of negotiation, bargaining, or discussing terms to reach a mutual agreement. At its core, it combines two kanji: 交 (ko), meaning 'exchange' or 'intersection,' and 渉 (shō), meaning 'to cross,' 'to ford,' or 'to be concerned with.' Together, they evoke the image of two parties crossing paths to exchange views and navigate through a problem to find a resolution. Unlike simple discussion (話し合い), 交渉する implies a specific goal or a conflict of interest that needs to be resolved through strategic communication.
- Business Context
- In a professional setting, this word is used for contract discussions, salary negotiations, or mergers. It carries a formal weight, suggesting that the parties involved are seeking a binding or significant outcome.
- Daily Life Usage
- While formal, it can also be used when bargaining at a flea market or trying to convince a landlord to lower the rent. It suggests a level of seriousness beyond a casual request.
- Political & Diplomatic Use
- This is the standard term for international relations, such as peace treaties, trade deals, or boundary disputes, where the stakes are high and the process is meticulous.
新しい契約の条件について、相手の会社と交渉する必要があります。(We need to negotiate with the partner company regarding the terms of the new contract.)
The nuance of 交渉する often involves a 'give and take' dynamic. It is not merely asking for something; it is the process of presenting arguments, making concessions, and finding a middle ground. In Japanese culture, this process is often preceded by 'nemawashi' (laying the groundwork), but the actual act of sitting at the table to finalize terms is what this verb describes. It is a 'suru-verb,' meaning it is highly versatile and can be conjugated into various forms like 交渉したい (want to negotiate), 交渉中 (under negotiation), or 交渉済み (negotiated/settled).
- Nuance of Success
- If a negotiation is successful, you might say '交渉がまとまる' (the negotiation came together). If it fails, you say '交渉が決裂する' (the negotiation broke down).
家賃を安くしてもらうために、大家さんと交渉した。(I negotiated with the landlord to get the rent lowered.)
Furthermore, 交渉する implies that both parties have something the other wants, or there is a gap in expectations that needs bridging. It is an active, goal-oriented verb. In academic or journalistic settings, you will see it paired with complex nouns like '外交交渉' (diplomatic negotiations) or '賃金交渉' (wage negotiations). Understanding this word is essential for anyone looking to navigate professional or high-stakes social environments in Japan.
Using 交渉する correctly requires understanding its grammatical structure and the particles that typically accompany it. As a transitive verb (in the sense that you negotiate *something* or *with someone*), it follows standard Japanese sentence patterns but has specific collocations that make it sound natural. The most common pattern is [A] と [B] について 交渉する, which means 'to negotiate with [A] about [B].' This structure is the backbone of most professional communication involving this verb.
- The 'With' Particle (と)
- The particle 'と' identifies the counterparty. Example: 'メーカーと交渉する' (Negotiate with the manufacturer). It implies a two-way interaction.
- The 'About' Particle (について / を)
- 'について' is used for the general topic. 'を' is used when the negotiation is the direct action upon a specific object or term. Example: '価格を交渉する' (Negotiate the price).
粘り強く交渉することで、より良い条件を引き出すことができた。(By negotiating tenaciously, we were able to draw out better terms.)
In formal documents or news reports, you might encounter the noun form '交渉' combined with other verbs. For instance, '交渉を進める' (to advance negotiations) or '交渉に当たる' (to be in charge of/to handle negotiations). These variations allow for more precise descriptions of the stage or nature of the bargaining process. For learners at the B1 level, mastering the basic 'suru' form is the priority, but recognizing these noun-based phrases will greatly aid listening and reading comprehension.
- Adverbial Modifiers
- You can use adverbs to describe how the negotiation is going. '有利に交渉する' (to negotiate advantageously) or '直接交渉する' (to negotiate directly).
彼はその件について、担当者と直接交渉することに決めた。(He decided to negotiate directly with the person in charge regarding that matter.)
When you want to express the possibility or 'room' for negotiation, you use the noun '余地' (yochi). The phrase '交渉の余地がある' (there is room for negotiation) is an extremely common expression in business Japanese. Conversely, '交渉の余地はない' means 'there is no room for negotiation,' indicating a firm, non-negotiable stance. This flexibility allows speakers to express complex situational nuances with just a few words. Whether you are discussing a salary raise or a large-scale international trade agreement, the structure remains consistent, making it a powerful tool in your Japanese vocabulary arsenal.
The word 交渉する is ubiquitous in Japanese media, business culture, and literature. If you watch the NHK news, you will hear it almost daily in the context of politics or international relations. It is the standard term used to describe diplomatic talks between nations, such as '日米貿易交渉' (Japan-US trade negotiations). In these contexts, the word carries a sense of formality and high stakes, often associated with long-term strategic goals and the balancing of national interests.
- In the Office
- You'll hear managers saying, '取引先と価格の交渉をしてきます' (I'm going to negotiate the price with the client). It’s a standard part of the 'eigyo' (sales) vocabulary.
- News and Media
- Headlines often use '交渉' to describe labor strikes ('春闘' or spring wage offensives) or hostage situations, where negotiators (交渉人 - kōshōnin) are brought in.
ニュース：両国は平和条約の締結に向けて交渉しています。(News: Both countries are negotiating toward the conclusion of a peace treaty.)
In television dramas, especially those centered on business (like 'Hanzawa Naoki') or law, 交渉する is a key verb used during climactic scenes where characters are fighting for their company's survival or trying to reach a settlement. It highlights the tension and the intellectual battle between characters. Even in anime, you might find characters in a fantasy setting 'negotiating' with a dragon or a rival guild, showing that the word's application extends far beyond the modern corporate world.
- Retail and Services
- In places like Akihabara or Osaka's Nipponbashi, where bargaining is more common, you might hear '値引き交渉' (price reduction negotiation). It’s the act of asking for a 'service' or a discount.
ドラマのセリフ：「これ以上の交渉は無意味だ。法廷で会おう。」(Drama line: Further negotiation is meaningless. See you in court.)
Finally, you will find this word in textbooks and academic papers discussing social sciences, economics, and psychology. It is the technical term for 'bargaining theory' (交渉理論). Whether you are reading a high-level analysis of international trade or simply trying to get a better deal on a used car, 交渉する is the essential verb for any situation involving the reconciliation of different interests. Its presence in so many spheres of life makes it a high-frequency word that B1 learners should not only recognize but feel comfortable using in appropriate contexts.
One of the most common mistakes learners make with 交渉する is confusing it with similar but less intense verbs like 相談する (sōdan suru - to consult/discuss) or 話し合う (hanashiai - to talk over). While all involve talking, 交渉する is specifically about reaching a deal where interests may conflict. If you are just asking a friend for advice, you would never use '交渉する'; you would use '相談する'. Using '交渉' with friends for simple matters can make you sound overly formal, aggressive, or like you are treating the friendship as a business transaction.
- Mistake 1: Over-formality
- Using '交渉する' for minor social decisions. Incorrect: '昼ご飯をどこで食べるか、友達と交渉した。' (I negotiated with my friend where to eat lunch.) Correct: '友達と話し合った。'
- Mistake 2: Particle Errors
- Using 'に' instead of 'と' for the person. While 'に' can sometimes work in specific contexts of 'approaching someone,' 'と' is the standard for the mutual act of negotiation.
間違い：社長に給料を交渉する。(Wrong: Negotiate the salary *to* the president.) 正解：社長と給料の交渉をする。(Correct: Negotiate the salary *with* the president.)
Another error is the misuse of '交渉' when '説得' (settoku - persuasion) is intended. Negotiation implies a two-way street where both sides might change their position. Persuasion is one-sided. If you are just trying to make someone do what you want without offering anything in return, '説得する' is the more accurate verb. Additionally, learners sometimes forget that 交渉する is a 'suru' verb and try to use it as a standalone 'u-verb,' which is grammatically incorrect.
- Mistake 3: Confusing with 'Contracting'
- Negotiation is the *process* before the contract. Don't confuse it with '契約する' (keiyaku suru - to sign a contract). You negotiate *to* sign a contract.
Finally, be careful with the word '交渉' (kōshō) in different contexts. While it usually means negotiation, in very specific historical or literary contexts, '交遊' (kōyū) or '交際' (kōsai) might be confused by beginners, though they are written with different kanji. Always focus on the '渉' (cross/concern) kanji to remember the 'negotiation' meaning. By paying attention to these nuances and ensuring you use the correct particles, you can avoid sounding unnatural or unintentionally aggressive in your Japanese interactions.
To truly master the concept of negotiation in Japanese, it is helpful to compare 交渉する with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a slightly different nuance in terms of formality, intensity, and context. Understanding these differences will allow you to choose the most appropriate word for the situation, whether you are in a boardroom or at a market.
- 協議する (きょうぎする - kyōgi suru)
- This means 'to deliberate' or 'to confer.' It is often more formal and collaborative than 交渉する. It suggests a group of people coming together to discuss a matter formally, like a committee or a board of directors.
- 談判する (だんぱんする - danpan suru)
- This is a much stronger word, often translated as 'to demand' or 'to have it out with someone.' It implies a more confrontational or serious negotiation, often where one party is making a strong demand or protest.
- 掛け合う (かけあう - kakeau)
- This is a more verbal, often slightly informal way of saying 'to approach someone' to negotiate or bargain. It’s often used in daily life or lower-level business contexts.
比較：
1. 賃金について交渉する (Neutral/Formal)
2. 賃金について協議する (Formal/Deliberative)
3. 賃金について談判する (Strong/Confrontational)
Another useful alternative is '折衝する' (せっしょうする - sesshō suru). This word is specifically used for 'negotiation' or 'diplomacy' where two parties are trying to reconcile conflicting interests, particularly in a political or high-level business sense. It often implies a delicate balancing act. For daily life, if you just want to say 'bargain for a lower price,' the term '値切る' (negiru) is much more common and natural than '価格交渉をする'.
- 話し合い (はなしあい - hanashiai)
- The most general term for 'discussion' or 'talks.' It is safe to use in almost any context and is less intimidating than '交渉'.
市場で値段を値切るのは、旅の楽しみの一つだ。(Bargaining for prices at the market is one of the joys of traveling.)
By learning these alternatives, you can refine your Japanese to match the specific 'temperature' of the conversation. In Japan, where the level of formality and the directness of communication are crucial, knowing whether to 'negotiate' (交渉), 'deliberate' (協議), or simply 'talk' (話し合い) can make a significant difference in how you are perceived and how successful your interaction will be. Always consider the relationship with the other person and the importance of the outcome when choosing between these words.
Exemples par niveau
店で値段を交渉します。
I negotiate the price at the shop.
Basic [Noun] を [Verb] structure.
安くしてくださいと交渉しました。
I negotiated by saying 'Please make it cheaper.'
Using 'と' to quote what was said during the negotiation.
彼は先生と交渉しました。
He negotiated with the teacher.
[Person] と identifies the counterparty.
私たちは交渉するのが好きです。
We like negotiating.
Using 'の' to turn the verb into a noun phrase.
ここで交渉しないでください。
Please do not negotiate here.
Negative 'te-form' + kudasai for a request.
父はいつも交渉します。
My father always negotiates.
Present habitual use of the verb.
交渉はとても難しいです。
Negotiation is very difficult.
Using '交渉' as a noun.
明日、交渉しましょう。
Let's negotiate tomorrow.
Volitional form 'shimashō'.
新しいアパートの家賃を交渉するつもりです。
I intend to negotiate the rent for the new apartment.
Verb dictionary form + 'tsumori desu' (intention).
会社の人と給料について交渉しました。
I negotiated about the salary with the person from the company.
'〜について' indicates the topic of negotiation.
もっといい条件で交渉したいです。
I want to negotiate with better conditions.
Tai-form for expressing desire.
交渉する時間はありますか？
Is there time to negotiate?
Modifying a noun (jikan) with a verb (kōshō suru).
彼は上手に交渉することができます。
He can negotiate skillfully.
Dictionary form + 'koto ga dekimasu' (ability).
交渉したけれど、安くなりませんでした。
I negotiated, but it didn't get cheaper.
Using 'keredo' to show contrast.
直接会って交渉したほうがいいですよ。
It's better to meet directly and negotiate.
Ta-form + 'hō ga ii' (advice).
今、社長が交渉しています。
The president is negotiating right now.
Te-iru form for ongoing action.
プロジェクトの締め切りについて、クライアントと交渉する。
Negotiate with the client about the project deadline.
Standard B1 business sentence structure.
粘り強く交渉することで、契約を勝ち取った。
By negotiating tenaciously, we won the contract.
Using 'koto de' to show the means or method.
これ以上、交渉の余地はないと言われた。
I was told there is no more room for negotiation.
Passive voice 'iwareta' and the phrase 'kōshō no yochi'.
条件を一つずつ確認しながら交渉を進めた。
We advanced the negotiation while confirming the conditions one by one.
Using 'nagara' to show simultaneous actions.
彼は交渉のプロとして知られている。
He is known as a professional negotiator.
Using 'toshite' (as) and the passive 'shirarete iru'.
交渉が決裂し、両社は提携を諦めた。
The negotiation broke down, and both companies gave up on the partnership.
Using 'ketsuretsu' (breakdown) as a result.
相手の要望を聞きつつ、自分の意見も交渉に反映させた。
While listening to the other party's requests, I reflected my own opinion in the negotiation.
Using 'tsutsu' (while/despite) for a more formal tone.
有利に交渉を進めるために、事前の準備が欠かせない。
In order to advance the negotiation advantageously, prior preparation is essential.
Using 'tame ni' (in order to) and 'kasasenai' (indispensable).
政府は隣国と領土問題について長年交渉している。
The government has been negotiating with the neighboring country about territorial issues for many years.
Formal political context with 'te-iru' for long-term action.
労働組合は、賃上げを求めて経営陣と粘り強く交渉を続けている。
The labor union continues to negotiate tenaciously with management seeking a wage increase.
Using 'motomete' (seeking) to show purpose.
交渉を妥結させるには、互いに譲歩することが必要だ。
To reach an agreement in negotiations, it is necessary to make mutual concessions.
Using 'daketsu saseru' (to bring to an agreement) and 'jōho' (concession).
今回の交渉は、今後の業界の動向を左右する重要なものだ。
This negotiation is an important one that will influence the future trends of the industry.
Using 'sayū suru' (to influence/decide) to show importance.
彼は相手の心理を読みながら、巧みに交渉をコントロールした。
He skillfully controlled the negotiation while reading the opponent's psychology.
Using 'nagara' and 'takumi ni' (skillfully).
交渉が難航しているため、最終的な決定は来月に持ち越された。
Because the negotiations are running into difficulties, the final decision has been carried over to next month.
Using 'nankō' (difficulties) and 'mochikosa reta' (carried over).
不当な要求に対しては、断固とした態度で交渉に臨むべきだ。
Against unjust demands, one should face the negotiation with a firm attitude.
Using 'nozomu' (to face/approach) and 'beki da' (should).
交渉のテーブルに着く前に、まずは信頼関係を築くことが先決だ。
Before sitting at the negotiation table, first priority is building a relationship of trust.
Using 'senketsu' (priority/precondition).
外交交渉においては、言葉の微細なニュアンスが結果を大きく左右する。
In diplomatic negotiations, subtle nuances of language greatly influence the outcome.
Highly formal 'ni oite wa' and focus on 'bisai na' (subtle).
多国間交渉の複雑さは、各国の国益が複雑に絡み合っている点にある。
The complexity of multilateral negotiations lies in the fact that national interests are intricately intertwined.
Using 'takokukan' (multilateral) and 'karamiatte iru' (entwined).
彼は沈黙を武器に使い、交渉の主導権を握ることに成功した。
Using silence as a weapon, he succeeded in seizing the initiative in the negotiation.
Metaphorical use of 'buki' (weapon) and 'shudōken' (initiative).
交渉のデッドロックを打破するため、第三者の介入が求められている。
In order to break the negotiation deadlock, third-party intervention is being sought.
Academic terms: 'deddorokku' (deadlock) and 'kanyū' (intervention).
相手の論理的な矛盾を突き、交渉を自社に有利な方向へ導いた。
By pointing out the opponent's logical contradictions, he led the negotiation in a direction favorable to his company.
Using 'tsuku' (to strike/point out) and 'michibiku' (to lead).
この交渉の成否は、トップ同士の信頼関係に懸かっていると言っても過言ではない。
It is no exaggeration to say that the success or failure of this negotiation depends on the trust between the top leaders.
Advanced phrase 'itte mo kagon dewa nai' (not an exaggeration).
交渉が長期化するにつれ、双方の疲弊が目立つようになってきた。
As the negotiations dragged on, the exhaustion of both parties became noticeable.
Using 'ni tsure' (as... so...) and 'hihei' (exhaustion).
不透明な状況下での交渉は、高度な情報収集能力と分析力を要する。
Negotiation under opaque circumstances requires high-level information gathering and analytical skills.
Formal 'ka de' (under) and 'yō suru' (to require).
地政学的なパワーバランスの変容が、現代の国際交渉の枠組みを根底から覆している。
The transformation of the geopolitical power balance is fundamentally overturning the framework of modern international negotiations.
Highest register: 'kontei kara kutsugaesu' (overturn from the roots).
交渉における「合意の質」を問うことは、単なる妥協以上の創造的解決を模索することに他ならない。
Questioning the 'quality of agreement' in negotiation is nothing other than seeking a creative solution beyond mere compromise.
Philosophical 'ni hoka naranai' (nothing other than).
暗黙の了解を前提とした日本的な交渉術は、グローバルな文脈ではしばしば誤解を招く恐れがある。
Japanese negotiation techniques based on implicit understanding run the risk of often causing misunderstandings in a global context.
Cultural analysis using 'anmoku no ryōkai' (implicit understanding).
交渉の決裂が不可避であると判断した際、いかにして損害を最小限に抑えるかが真の交渉人の手腕である。
When judging that a breakdown in negotiations is inevitable, how to minimize damage is the mark of a true negotiator's skill.
Complex conditional and 'shuwan' (skill/ability).
歴史的な和解に向けた交渉は、過去の清算と未来への展望という二律背反する課題を抱えている。
Negotiations toward historical reconciliation carry the antinomian challenges of settling the past and envisioning the future.
Using 'niritsuhaihan' (antinomy/contradiction).
交渉のレバレッジをどこに見出すかは、単なる経済的合理性のみならず、心理的洞察に深く根ざしている。
Where to find leverage in a negotiation is rooted deeply not only in mere economic rationality but also in psychological insight.
Using 'nominarazu' (not only) and 'neza shite iru' (rooted in).
紛争解決のための交渉は、しばしば「正義」の定義を巡る終わりのない対話へと変質する。
Negotiations for conflict resolution often transform into an endless dialogue over the definition of 'justice.'
Using 'henshitsu' (transformation/degeneration) and 'meguru' (concerning).
交渉の帰結が社会全体の厚生に資するか否かは、透明性と説明責任の確保に懸かっている。
Whether the outcome of a negotiation contributes to the welfare of society as a whole depends on ensuring transparency and accountability.
Using 'kiketsu' (outcome) and 'shisuru' (to contribute).
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有利
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