交渉をする
koushou o suru
negotiate
Literally: negotiation (交渉) + [object marker] (を) + do (する)
In 15 Seconds
- Used for reaching agreements in business or serious personal deals.
- Combines 'negotiation' with 'to do' for a versatile verb phrase.
- Focuses on finding a compromise or middle ground between parties.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you sit down with someone to reach a deal or find a middle ground. It's the act of talking through terms until both sides can agree on a outcome.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a pay raise with a manager
来週、上司と給料の交渉をする予定です。
I plan to negotiate my salary with my boss next week.
Buying a used car from a private seller
中古車の価格について交渉をしましたが、安くなりませんでした。
I negotiated the price of the used car, but it didn't get cheaper.
A business meeting regarding a new contract
新しい契約の条件について、粘り強く交渉をする必要があります。
We need to negotiate the terms of the new contract persistently.
Cultural Background
Negotiations often involve 'Kuuki wo yomu' (reading the air). Silence can be a powerful tool to show hesitation without saying 'no' directly. In Kyoto, indirectness is an art. A negotiation might start with small talk about the seasons for 30 minutes before the actual topic is even mentioned. In Tokyo's tech scene, negotiations are becoming faster and more direct, influenced by Western business styles, though 'Nemawashi' still exists. In places like Osaka, 'haggling' (Negiri) is seen as a form of communication and entertainment, not just a way to save money.
Use 'Room for Negotiation'
Memorize the phrase '{交渉|こうしょう}の{余地|よち}がある' (There is room for negotiation). It makes you sound very advanced and professional.
Avoid 'Negiru' in Business
Never use '{値切|ねぎ}る' in a formal business meeting. It sounds like you're at a street market. Stick to '{価格|かかく}の{交渉|こうしょう}'.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for reaching agreements in business or serious personal deals.
- Combines 'negotiation' with 'to do' for a versatile verb phrase.
- Focuses on finding a compromise or middle ground between parties.
What It Means
交渉をする is the standard way to say "to negotiate" in Japanese. It combines the noun 交渉 (negotiation) with the verb する (to do). It implies a structured discussion where two parties have different goals. You are trying to find a compromise that works for everyone. It’s not just a casual chat; it has a specific purpose.
How To Use It
You use this phrase just like a regular verb. You can attach it to the thing you are negotiating using the particle の. For example, 給料の交渉をする means "to negotiate salary." You can also use it with について to say "negotiate about" something. It fits perfectly in business emails or serious life discussions. Just remember that it sounds a bit formal for tiny favors.
When To Use It
Use this when the stakes are real. It’s perfect for business deals or buying a house. It also works at a flea market when you want a lower price. You might use it when discussing chores with a roommate. If you are trying to convince your boss for a day off, this is the phrase. It signals that a serious exchange of terms is happening.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this for very light, casual requests. If you're just asking a friend to borrow a pen, don't say 交渉をする. That would sound like you're trying to sign a legal contract for a ballpoint! Also, if you're just having a heart-to-heart talk, use 話し合う instead. 交渉をする implies a bit of a "transactional" vibe. Don't use it if there's nothing to trade or settle.
Cultural Background
In Japan, negotiation is often about maintaining harmony or 和 (wa). It’s rarely a loud, aggressive confrontation like you see in movies. Often, the real 交渉 happens before the official meeting. This is called 根回し (nemawashi), or preparing the soil. By the time people actually 交渉をする, they usually already know the outcome. It’s a dance of mutual respect and subtle hints.
Common Variations
You will often see 交渉中 which means "under negotiation." Another common one is 条件交渉, which specifically means "negotiating terms." If you want to sound more professional, you might use 交渉を行う. If the negotiation fails, you say 交渉が決裂する. If you succeed, you might say 交渉がまとまる. These variations help you describe exactly how the deal is going.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and very versatile. It is safe for both business and daily life, but avoid it in intimate emotional conversations unless you are being intentionally humorous or clinical.
Use 'Room for Negotiation'
Memorize the phrase '{交渉|こうしょう}の{余地|よち}がある' (There is room for negotiation). It makes you sound very advanced and professional.
Avoid 'Negiru' in Business
Never use '{値切|ねぎ}る' in a formal business meeting. It sounds like you're at a street market. Stick to '{価格|かかく}の{交渉|こうしょう}'.
The Power of 'Kento shimasu'
If a negotiation is going poorly, Japanese people often say '{検討|けんとう}します' (I will consider it). This is often a polite 'no'.
Examples
6来週、上司と給料の交渉をする予定です。
I plan to negotiate my salary with my boss next week.
A classic professional use of the phrase for career advancement.
中古車の価格について交渉をしましたが、安くなりませんでした。
I negotiated the price of the used car, but it didn't get cheaper.
Used here for a transactional situation in daily life.
新しい契約の条件について、粘り強く交渉をする必要があります。
We need to negotiate the terms of the new contract persistently.
Shows a high-stakes business environment.
フリマで値切るために、店主と交渉をしてくるね！
I'm going to negotiate with the shop owner to get a discount at the flea market!
A more lighthearted, everyday use of the term.
ゲームの時間を増やすために、父と必死に交渉をした。
I desperately negotiated with my dad to increase my gaming time.
Using a serious word for a funny, low-stakes childhood situation.
どちらの街に住むか、お互いに歩み寄って交渉をするべきだ。
We should negotiate and compromise on which city to live in.
Highlights the 'compromise' aspect of the phrase in a relationship.
Test Yourself
Fill in the particle to complete the sentence: 'I negotiated with the client.'
{顧客|こきゃく}（ ）{交渉|こうしょう}をしました。
The particle 'と' is used to indicate the person or party you are negotiating with.
Which sentence is most appropriate for a formal business email?
Choose the best option:
This uses the formal '{交渉|こうしょう}' along with the humble 'させていただきたい' form.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at a market and want a lower price.
'{値下|ねさ}げ' means price reduction. This is the standard way to say you are negotiating for a lower price.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {条件|じょうけん}が{厳|きび}しいですね。 B: そうですね。でも、まだ（ ）。
'{交渉|こうしょう}の{余地|よち}はあります' means 'there is still room for negotiation,' which fits the context of difficult conditions.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{顧客|こきゃく}（ ）{交渉|こうしょう}をしました。
The particle 'と' is used to indicate the person or party you are negotiating with.
Choose the best option:
This uses the formal '{交渉|こうしょう}' along with the humble 'させていただきたい' form.
Situation: You are at a market and want a lower price.
'{値下|ねさ}げ' means price reduction. This is the standard way to say you are negotiating for a lower price.
A: {条件|じょうけん}が{厳|きび}しいですね。 B: そうですね。でも、まだ（ ）。
'{交渉|こうしょう}の{余地|よち}はあります' means 'there is still room for negotiation,' which fits the context of difficult conditions.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, usually. Use '{話|はな}し{合|あ}う' unless you are jokingly treating a small disagreement like a big business deal.
'{交渉|こうしょう}' is general. '{折衝|せっしょう}' is specifically for reconciling conflicting interests in a very formal or political setting.
Yes, '{交渉|こうしょう}する' is a standard suru-verb. Adding 'wo' makes it slightly more noun-focused, but both are correct.
You can say '{交渉|こうしょう}が{失敗|しっぱい}した' or the more formal '{交渉|こうしょう}が{決裂|けつれつ}した'.
Related Phrases
{妥協|だきょう}する
similarTo compromise
{折衝|せっしょう}する
specialized formTo negotiate/mediate
{話|はな}し{合|あ}う
synonymTo talk together
{合意|ごうい}に{達|たっ}する
builds onTo reach an agreement
