In 15 Seconds
- Used for making business deals or formal trades.
- Combines 'transaction' with 'to do' for versatile usage.
- Implies a structured exchange where both sides get something.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you are making a deal, conducting business, or trading items of value. It covers everything from corporate contracts to swapping rare items with a friend.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
新しいサプライヤーと取引をすることにしました。
We decided to do business with a new supplier.
Trading items in a video game
レアなアイテムを取引しませんか？
Would you like to trade rare items?
Discussing the stock market
彼は株の取引をして生計を立てている。
He makes a living by trading stocks.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the 'Omi Merchant' philosophy of mutual benefit. In Japanese business culture, starting a 'torihiki' often requires long introductions and trust-building rituals like exchanging business cards (meishi). It isn't just a one-time swap; it's often seen as the beginning of a formal bond.
The 'O' is Optional
In casual speech, you can drop the 'o' and just say 'torihiki suru'. It sounds much more natural when you're in a hurry!
Don't use for 'Shopping'
Buying milk at a convenience store isn't a 'torihiki'. Use 'kaimono' for that. 'Torihiki' implies a negotiation or a professional relationship.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for making business deals or formal trades.
- Combines 'transaction' with 'to do' for versatile usage.
- Implies a structured exchange where both sides get something.
What It Means
取引をする is your go-to phrase for any kind of deal-making. It combines 取引 (transaction/trade) with the verb する (to do). It implies a formal or structured exchange. You aren't just giving something away. You are expecting something in return. It’s the heartbeat of commerce and negotiation.
How To Use It
You use it like a standard suru verb. You can say A to torihiki o suru to mean "do business with A." It’s very flexible. You can use it for big bank mergers. You can also use it for trading Pokémon cards. Just remember that it implies a specific agreement was reached.
When To Use It
Use this in professional settings constantly. It’s perfect for discussing new clients or suppliers. Use it when talking about the stock market. Use it in video games when trading loot. It’s also great for those "negotiations" with your kids. "I'll give you ice cream if you clean your room" is a torihiki.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for casual sharing. If you give a friend a fry, that's not a torihiki. It's too cold and clinical for simple favors. Avoid it when the exchange is purely emotional. You don't "trade" love with a partner using this word. That sounds like a robot trying to date.
Cultural Background
Japan has a long history of merchant culture. The concept of Sanpo-yoshi (good for three sides) is key. This means a deal should benefit the buyer, seller, and society. When you torihiki in Japan, trust is everything. It’s rarely just about the money. It’s about building a long-term relationship.
Common Variations
You will often hear torihikisaki. This refers to your business partners or clients. Another common one is ura-torihiki. This means a "backroom deal" or something shady. If you see this in a detective drama, someone is definitely in trouble. Use denshi-torihiki for e-commerce or online trading.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral but leans formal. In a business context, use the object marker 'o' (取引をする), but in casual conversation or gaming, you can omit it (取引する).
The 'O' is Optional
In casual speech, you can drop the 'o' and just say 'torihiki suru'. It sounds much more natural when you're in a hurry!
Don't use for 'Shopping'
Buying milk at a convenience store isn't a 'torihiki'. Use 'kaimono' for that. 'Torihiki' implies a negotiation or a professional relationship.
The Power of the Business Card
Before a 'torihiki' starts in Japan, the 'meishi koukan' (card exchange) is the ritual that signals you are ready to be serious partners.
Examples
6新しいサプライヤーと取引をすることにしました。
We decided to do business with a new supplier.
A standard professional use of the phrase.
レアなアイテムを取引しませんか？
Would you like to trade rare items?
Commonly used in online gaming communities.
彼は株の取引をして生計を立てている。
He makes a living by trading stocks.
Refers to financial market transactions.
裏で怪しい取引が行われているようだ。
It seems a suspicious deal is happening behind the scenes.
Using 'ura' (back) adds a sense of illegality.
宿題をしたらゲームができるという取引をした。
We made a deal: if you do homework, you can play games.
Using business language for a domestic situation adds a funny weight to it.
残念ながら、あの会社との取引を停止することにした。
Unfortunately, we decided to stop doing business with that company.
Used when a professional relationship ends.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct particle to complete the sentence: 'I want to do business with that company.'
あの会社___取引をしたいです。
The particle 'to' is used to indicate the partner you are doing the transaction 'with'.
Which verb correctly completes the phrase for 'making a deal'?
条件について___をしましょう。
'Torihiki' means transaction/deal, making it the only logical choice for discussing conditions.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Torihiki o suru'
Trading stickers or snacks with friends.
Kore to torihiki shiyou!
Standard business talk or online trading.
Torihiki o suru.
Official corporate announcements or legal documents.
Torihiki o okonau.
Where to use Torihiki o suru
Stock Market
Buying and selling shares.
Business Meeting
Signing a new client.
Video Games
Swapping weapons or skins.
Crime Drama
A secret exchange in an alley.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesあの会社___取引をしたいです。
The particle 'to' is used to indicate the partner you are doing the transaction 'with'.
条件について___をしましょう。
'Torihiki' means transaction/deal, making it the only logical choice for discussing conditions.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! While it's common in business, it can be used for trading any items of value, like kaado no torihiki (trading cards).
You use torihikisaki. For example, torihikisaki ni denwa suru means 'I will call the client/business partner'.
Usually no. Buying clothes is kaimono. Torihiki is more for the act of the deal itself or professional wholesale buying.
It literally means 'back-transaction.' It refers to an illegal or secret deal, often used in movies or news reports about scandals.
Yes, it is a neutral/formal term. If you want to be extra polite, say torihiki o sasete itadaku (humbly allowed to do business).
Koukan is a simple exchange (like swapping seats). Torihiki implies a more formal 'deal' or business arrangement.
Yes, banking activities are often called ginkou torihiki. It refers to the official record of your transactions.
You say torihiki o chuushi suru or torihiki o teishi suru. This sounds very serious and final.
Yes, denshi torihiki is the standard term for electronic commerce or online trading.
Actually, sports trades usually use the English loanword toreedo. Torihiki sounds a bit too much like a corporate merger for sports.
Related Phrases
売買する
To buy and sell
契約を結ぶ
To sign/conclude a contract
交渉する
To negotiate
交換する
To exchange/swap
