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B1 noun 10 min read

取引先

torihikisaki

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 取引先 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 取引先 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '取引先' (torihikisaki) often, but it is good to recognize it as a 'work word.' Think of it as 'Business Friend' or 'Work Partner.' In Japan, people at work don't just say 'customer'—they use this special word for other companies they work with. You might see it on a sign in an office or hear it in a simple story about a businessman. It's made of 'tori' (take), 'hiki' (pull), and 'saki' (place). It means the place where you 'take and pull' business deals. Even if you just remember it means 'someone my company works with,' you are doing great!

At the A2 level, you should start to understand that '取引先' (torihikisaki) is a formal word used in offices. While you might use 'okyakusama' for a customer in a shop, 'torihikisaki' is for when one company does business with another company. For example, if you work for a company that makes car parts, the company that buys those parts is your 'torihikisaki.' You will see this word in basic business emails or when learning about Japanese jobs. It is a noun, so you can say 'torihikisaki ni iku' (go to a business partner) or 'atarashii torihikisaki' (a new business partner). It helps you talk about your job more professionally.

At the B1 level, '取引先' (torihikisaki) becomes a key vocabulary item for your professional development. You should be able to use it to describe your professional network. It is more formal than 'kuraianto' and covers both suppliers and buyers. You will often hear it paired with verbs like 'houmon suru' (to visit) or 'renraku suru' (to contact). Understanding the 'saki' suffix is important here—it indicates the 'other party.' You should also begin to recognize the difference between a general 'torihikisaki' and a more specific 'shiiresaki' (supplier). This word is essential for passing the JLPT N3 and for basic office communication in Japan.

At the B2 level, you should master the nuances of '取引先' (torihikisaki) in various business scenarios. You will use it in discussions about market expansion ('torihikisaki no kaitaku'), risk management ('torihikisaki no shin'you chousa' - credit check of a partner), and relationship building. You should understand the cultural weight of the term—maintaining a good relationship with a 'torihikisaki' involves more than just contracts; it involves trust, seasonal greetings, and formal etiquette. You should also be comfortable using it in complex sentences with honorifics and humble forms, such as 'torihikisaki-sama ni go-houmoku itashimasu' (I will report to the client).

At the C1 level, '取引先' (torihikisaki) is a word you use with precision and strategic insight. You will encounter it in legal contracts, high-level corporate strategy meetings, and economic analyses. You should understand its role in the Japanese 'keiretsu' system or supply chain management. You'll discuss 'torihikisaki' in terms of 'kyousei' (symbiosis) and 'kyousou' (competition). At this level, you should also be able to navigate the delicate balance of referring to a 'torihikisaki' respectfully while maintaining your own company's dignity. You might analyze the impact of a 'torihikisaki's' ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) policies on your own company's reputation.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '取引先' (torihikisaki) includes a deep understanding of its legal, historical, and socio-economic implications. You can discuss the evolution of 'torihiki' relations from the Edo period merchant guilds to modern global conglomerates. You are capable of handling complex negotiations where the interests of multiple 'torihikisaki' conflict, using the term to define boundaries and obligations with absolute clarity. You can write formal white papers or legal briefs where 'torihikisaki' is used to define 'the counterparty' in sophisticated financial instruments. Your usage reflects not just linguistic fluency, but a profound grasp of the Japanese corporate ecosystem.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

取引先 in 30 Seconds

取引先 (torihikisaki) means business partner or client. It is a formal term used exclusively in professional B2B (business-to-business) contexts to identify external entities.
It is composed of 'torihiki' (transaction) and 'saki' (destination/party). It covers both those you buy from (suppliers) and those you sell to (customers).
Never use it to refer to retail customers (use 'kyaku' instead) or to address a partner directly (use their company name + 'sama'). It's for talking about them.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'houmon suru' (visit), 'kaitaku suru' (develop), and 'settai suru' (entertain). It's a key word for N3-N1 JLPT levels.

The Japanese word 取引先 (torihikisaki) is a cornerstone of the Japanese business vocabulary, essential for anyone navigating professional environments in Japan. At its core, it refers to a 'business partner,' 'client,' or 'account.' However, the nuance is slightly broader than the English word 'client.' It literally translates to the 'destination of transactions.' This implies a reciprocal relationship where goods, services, or money are exchanged. In a B2B (business-to-business) context, your torihikisaki could be a supplier you buy parts from, a distributor who sells your products, or a corporate client who pays for your consulting services. It is a formal term used to describe the other party in a commercial relationship.

Core Concept: The 'Saki' Nuance: The suffix '先' (saki) in Japanese often indicates a destination, a direction, or the person/place on the other end of an action. Just as 'renrakusaki' is a contact address (the place where contact goes), 'torihikisaki' is the entity where the 'torihiki' (transaction) goes. This highlights the external nature of the relationship.
B2B vs. B2C: While an individual person buying a coffee is a 'kyaku' (customer), a company buying 1,000 tons of coffee beans from a plantation refers to that plantation as their 'torihikisaki.' It emphasizes a formal, often ongoing, professional bond rather than a one-off retail interaction.
The Hierarchy of Respect: In Japanese business culture, the 'torihikisaki' is often treated with a high level of deference, especially if they are the ones paying (the client). However, even suppliers are respected as essential partners in the value chain. You will frequently hear this word in meetings, reports, and when introducing colleagues to outside parties.

明日は大切な取引先との打ち合わせがあります。
(Tomorrow, we have a meeting with an important business partner.)

When using this word, you are signaling your awareness of the professional ecosystem. It is rarely used in casual settings unless discussing one's job. In a company setting, identifying who the 'torihikisaki' are is the first step to understanding the company's market position. You might hear a manager ask, 'Which torihikisaki is this invoice for?' or 'We need to expand our list of torihikisaki to mitigate risks.' It is a neutral, professional term that carries the weight of contractual obligations and mutual benefit.

新しい取引先を開拓するのは容易ではありません。
(Developing new business partners is not easy.)

Furthermore, the term is highly versatile across industries. Whether you are in manufacturing, finance, or IT, the entities you interact with externally are all 'torihikisaki.' This universality makes it one of the most high-frequency words in the JLPT N3 and N2 levels, as well as the BJT (Business Japanese Proficiency Test). Mastering this word allows you to describe your professional network accurately and understand the dynamics of Japanese corporate communications.

Using 取引先 (torihikisaki) correctly requires an understanding of both grammar and social hierarchy. Because it refers to external parties, it is often used in conjunction with honorifics when referring to the partner directly, or in humble forms when discussing your interactions with them to a third party. It functions as a standard noun and can be modified by adjectives or used in compound structures.

Modification with Adjectives: You can use adjectives like '大切な' (taisetsu na - important), '新規の' (shinki no - new), or '既存の' (kizon no - existing) to specify the type of partner. Example: '新規の取引先を探す' (To look for new business partners).
As a Subject or Object: It often takes particles like 'が' (ga), 'を' (o), or 'と' (to). '取引先が倒産した' (The business partner went bankrupt). '取引先を訪問する' (To visit a client).
Honorific Usage: When speaking about a partner company with respect, you might say '取引先様' (torihikisaki-sama), though this is more common in formal writing or when referring to them in a very polite speech. More commonly, you refer to them by their company name + '様' (sama).

部長は今、取引先の接待で外出しています。
(The department manager is out now entertaining a business partner.)

In the sentence above, 'settai' (entertainment/hosting) is a common activity involving a 'torihikisaki.' This highlights the social aspect of Japanese business. Another common verb paired with this word is '開拓する' (kaitaku suru - to develop/pioneer), used when a sales team is trying to find new accounts. For example: '弊社は海外の取引先を開拓しています' (Our company is developing overseas business partners).

取引先との信頼関係を築くには時間がかかります。
(It takes time to build a relationship of trust with a business partner.)

Note the use of 'との' (to no) here. It combines the particle 'と' (with) and 'の' (possessive/modifying), allowing the phrase 'relationship with a partner' to function as a single noun phrase. This is a very common pattern in business Japanese. You will also see '取引先' used in the plural sense without any changes to the word itself, as Japanese nouns do not typically change for plurality. Context determines if you are talking about one or many partners.

You will encounter 取引先 (torihikisaki) in almost every professional setting in Japan. It is not just a textbook word; it is the daily bread of office workers, executives, and entrepreneurs. From the morning assembly (chousha) to the late-night business dinner, this word is used to categorize the world outside the company walls.

In the Office: Internal meetings are the most common place to hear this. 'Which torihikisaki sent this email?' or 'We need to send New Year's cards (nengajo) to all our torihikisaki.' It is used to distinguish between internal staff and external collaborators.
In Financial News: Economic news reports on NHK or Nikkei often use this word when discussing corporate performance. 'The company's profits fell due to the bankruptcy of a major torihikisaki.' Here, it takes on a more clinical, analytical tone.
In Job Interviews: Interviewers will ask, 'What kind of torihikisaki did you manage in your previous role?' Candidates respond by describing the scale and industry of their previous clients.

あの会社は、多くの優良な取引先を持っています。
(That company has many high-quality business partners.)

In business dramas (dorama) like 'Hanzawa Naoki,' the word is used with high intensity. Characters might plot to steal a 'torihikisaki' from a rival or worry about a 'torihikisaki' being pressured by a bank. In these contexts, the word represents the lifeblood of the company. If you lose your 'torihikisaki,' you lose your business.

取引先からクレームが来ているので、すぐに対応してください。
(We have a complaint from a client, so please handle it immediately.)

Socially, even at a bar or restaurant after work, Japanese 'salarymen' might complain about their 'torihikisaki' being demanding. In this case, the word acts as a safe, slightly distanced way to talk about the source of their stress without necessarily naming the specific company and risking being overheard. It is a fundamental unit of conversation in the Japanese professional psyche.

While 取引先 (torihikisaki) is a standard term, learners often make subtle errors in its application, particularly regarding formality and the distinction between individual and corporate entities.

Mistaking for 'Kyaku' (Customer): A common mistake is using 'torihikisaki' for a person buying a sandwich at a convenience store. That is a 'kyaku' or 'okyakusama.' 'Torihikisaki' is strictly for professional, contractual, or business-level relationships. If you are a freelancer, your clients are 'torihikisaki,' but if you run a hair salon, the people getting haircuts are 'kyaku.'
Incorrect Honorific Attachment: Learners often forget that when speaking *to* the partner, you should never call them 'torihikisaki.' You use their company name + 'sama.' You only use 'torihikisaki' when talking *about* them to your own colleagues or a third party. Calling someone 'torihikisaki' to their face can sound cold or overly clinical.
Overusing for Suppliers: While 'torihikisaki' covers suppliers, if you specifically mean the company you buy materials from, 'shiiresaki' (仕入先) is more precise. Using 'torihikisaki' is not 'wrong,' but being more specific shows higher linguistic proficiency.

❌ 私はコンビニの取引先です。
(Incorrect: I am a business partner of the convenience store [meaning: I am a customer].)

Another mistake involves the confusion between 'torihikisaki' and 'kuraianto' (client). While 'kuraianto' is common in creative industries (advertising, design, consulting), 'torihikisaki' is the broader, more traditional Japanese term. Using 'kuraianto' in a traditional manufacturing setting might sound a bit too modern or 'katakana-heavy' for some older managers.

❌ 取引先、こんにちは！
(Incorrect: Hello, Business Partner! [This is never used as a greeting]. Use 'ABC-sama, osewa ni natte orimasu' instead.)

Finally, avoid using 'torihikisaki' to refer to internal departments. Even if you are 'dealing' with the accounting department, they are your colleagues (douryou), not a 'torihikisaki.' The 'saki' implies an external boundary. Understanding this boundary is key to navigating the 'Uchi-Soto' (Inside-Outside) dynamic of Japanese culture.

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for describing business relationships. Choosing the right synonym for 取引先 (torihikisaki) depends on the industry, the direction of money flow, and the level of formality required.

顧客 (Kokyaku) - Customer/Client: 'Kokyaku' focuses specifically on the 'buyer' side. While 'torihikisaki' can be a supplier, 'kokyaku' is almost always the person or entity paying you. It is often used in marketing contexts like 'kokyaku manzoku' (customer satisfaction).
得意先 (Tokuisaki) - Regular Customer/Key Account: This is a subset of 'torihikisaki.' A 'tokuisaki' is a partner you have a long-standing, frequent, and particularly good relationship with. It implies they are a 'regular' and very important to your revenue.
仕入先 (Shiiresaki) - Supplier/Vendor: This is the opposite of 'kokyaku.' It refers specifically to the entity you buy goods or materials from. In a supply chain discussion, you would distinguish between your 'shiiresaki' (who you buy from) and your 'hanbaisaki' (who you sell to).
クライアント (Kuraianto) - Client: Borrowed from English, this is common in 'soft' industries like IT, advertising, and law. It often implies a professional service relationship rather than a trade of physical goods.

彼は得意先の接待で忙しい。
(He is busy entertaining a regular/key client.)

Comparing these: Torihikisaki is the umbrella term. Tokuisaki is the 'VIP' partner. Shiiresaki is the 'input' partner. Kokyaku is the 'output' partner. Using the umbrella term 'torihikisaki' is always safe, but using the specific term makes you sound like a seasoned professional.

主要な仕入先との契約を更新しました。
(We have renewed the contract with our main supplier.)

In summary, while torihikisaki is the most versatile word, pay attention to the flow of goods and money to decide if a more specific term like shiiresaki or kokyaku would be more appropriate for your specific business situation.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'saki' (先) in this word is the same 'saki' used in 'sensei' (teacher - one who was born before). In 'torihikisaki', it indicates the 'direction' of the business relationship.

Pronunciation Guide

UK tɒrɪhɪkiːsæki

US toʊrihikiːsɑːki

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'torihikisaki', the pitch is generally flat (Heiban style), but in some dialects, it might drop after 'ki'.

Rhymes With

Saki (destination) Maki (roll) Yaki (grill) Waki (side) Kaki (persimmon) Taki (waterfall) Eki (station) Seki (seat)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'tori-hiki-saki' with heavy stress on the first syllable.
Mumbling the 'hi' sound; it should be a soft breathy 'h'.
Elongating the 'i' in 'hiki' too much.
Confusing the 'sa' with 'sha'.
Pronouncing the final 'ki' as 'kee' with a long vowel.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common, but 'torihiki' is three characters. Once learned, it is easy to recognize.

Writing 4/5

Writing '取引先' involves 17 strokes total. '取' and '引' are basic, but '先' must be written correctly.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward with no difficult sounds for English speakers.

Listening 3/5

It can be confused with other 'saki' words if not listening carefully to the context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

会社 (Kaisha - Company) 仕事 (Shigoto - Work) 売る (Uru - To sell) 買う (Kau - To buy) 人 (Hito - Person)

Learn Next

契約書 (Keiyakusho - Contract) 交渉 (Koushou - Negotiation) 見積もり (Mitsumori - Estimate) 請求書 (Seikyousho - Invoice) 接待 (Settai - Entertainment)

Advanced

独占禁止法 (Antimonopoly Act) 下請法 (Subcontract Act) 与信管理 (Credit Management) サプライチェーン (Supply Chain)

Grammar to Know

Noun + との (Particle combination)

取引先との関係 (Relationship with the partner)

Noun + に対する (Toward/Regarding)

取引先に対する誠実さ (Sincerity toward the partner)

Noun + による (Due to/By)

取引先による紹介 (Introduction by a partner)

Noun + 向けの (Aimed at/For)

取引先向けの資料 (Materials for the partner)

Noun + 沿いの (Along with - figurative)

取引先の要望沿った対応 (Response in line with partner requests)

Examples by Level

ここは私の取引先です。

This is my business partner.

Simple A is B structure using 'desu'.

取引先に行きます。

I am going to a business partner.

Verb 'ikimasu' with the destination particle 'ni'.

取引先はどこですか？

Where is the business partner?

Question form using 'doko desu ka'.

新しい取引先です。

It is a new business partner.

Adjective 'atarashii' modifying the noun.

取引先から電話です。

There is a phone call from a business partner.

Particle 'kara' indicating the source.

取引先と話します。

I will talk with the business partner.

Particle 'to' meaning 'with'.

取引先は大きいです。

The business partner (company) is big.

Adjective 'ookii' describing the noun.

取引先が好きです。

I like the business partner.

Expression of liking using 'ga suki desu'.

昨日は取引先を訪問しました。

Yesterday, I visited a business partner.

Past tense 'houmon shimashita'.

取引先にメールを送ります。

I will send an email to the business partner.

Verb 'okurimasu' with destination 'ni'.

取引先の名刺をもらいました。

I received a business partner's business card.

Possessive 'no' and verb 'moraimashita'.

取引先と会議があります。

I have a meeting with a business partner.

Noun 'kaigi' and existence verb 'arimasu'.

大切な取引先を忘れないでください。

Please do not forget the important business partner.

Negative request 'naide kudasai'.

取引先は東京にあります。

The business partner is located in Tokyo.

Location particle 'ni' with 'arimasu'.

取引先の名前は何ですか？

What is the name of the business partner?

Asking for information about the noun.

取引先と一緒に食事をしました。

I had a meal together with the business partner.

'Issho ni' meaning 'together with'.

新しい取引先を開拓する必要があります。

It is necessary to develop new business partners.

Verb 'kaitaku suru' followed by 'hitsuyou ga aru'.

取引先とのトラブルを解決しました。

I resolved a trouble with a business partner.

Particle 'to no' modifying the noun 'trouble'.

取引先から見積書が届きました。

A quote (estimate) arrived from the business partner.

Subject 'mitsumorisho' and verb 'todokimashita'.

取引先の要望に応えなければなりません。

We must respond to the business partner's requests.

Obligation form 'nakereba narimasen'.

取引先との契約書を確認してください。

Please check the contract with the business partner.

Request form 'te kudasai'.

主要な取引先が倒産してしまいました。

A major business partner has unfortunately gone bankrupt.

Regret/completion form 'te shimaimashita'.

取引先に新製品のサンプルを送付しました。

I sent a sample of the new product to the business partner.

Formal verb 'soufu shimashita'.

取引先の担当者が変わりました。

The person in charge at the business partner has changed.

Noun 'tantousha' (person in charge).

取引先との信頼関係を維持することが不可欠です。

Maintaining a relationship of trust with business partners is indispensable.

Noun phrase followed by 'ga fukaketsu desu'.

取引先の信用調査を事前に行うべきです。

You should perform a credit check on business partners in advance.

Auxiliary verb 'beki desu' (should).

海外の取引先との交渉は難航しています。

Negotiations with overseas business partners are running into difficulties.

Verb 'nankou shite iru' (to be difficult/stalled).

取引先に対して、誠実な対応を心がけています。

We strive to respond with sincerity toward our business partners.

Pattern 'ni taishite' (toward/against).

取引先のニーズを的確に把握することが重要です。

It is important to accurately grasp the needs of the business partner.

Adverb 'tekikaku ni' (accurately).

複数の取引先から相見積もりを取りました。

We obtained competitive quotes from multiple business partners.

Noun 'aimitsumori' (competitive quote).

取引先との接待ゴルフは、週末に行われます。

Business entertainment golf with partners is held on weekends.

Passive form 'okonawaremasu' for events.

取引先の不祥事により、弊社の評判も下がりました。

Due to a scandal involving a partner, our company's reputation also declined.

Particle 'ni yori' (due to/because of).

取引先との戦略的パートナーシップを強化する方針です。

Our policy is to strengthen strategic partnerships with our business partners.

Formal noun 'houshin' (policy/direction).

取引先の経営状況を多角的に分析する必要があります。

It is necessary to analyze the business partner's management status from multiple perspectives.

Adverbial phrase 'takakuteki ni' (multifaceted).

既存の取引先との契約条件を見直す時期に来ています。

The time has come to review the contract terms with existing business partners.

Pattern 'toki ni kite iru' (the time has come).

取引先からの無理な要求を、いかに断るかが課題です。

The challenge is how to refuse unreasonable demands from business partners.

Embedded question 'ikani ... ka' (how to...).

取引先との共存共栄を図ることが、長期的な利益につながります。

Aiming for co-existence and mutual prosperity with partners leads to long-term profits.

Idiomatic compound 'kyouzon kyouei'.

取引先の倒産リスクを回避するために、分散投資を行っています。

To avoid the risk of a partner going bankrupt, we are diversifying our investments.

Purpose pattern 'tame ni' (in order to).

取引先との機密保持契約（NDA）を締結しました。

We have concluded a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with the business partner.

Formal verb 'teiketsu suru' (to conclude a contract).

取引先のサプライチェーンが停滞し、生産に影響が出ています。

The partner's supply chain has stagnated, affecting our production.

Verb 'teitai suru' (to stagnate).

取引先との長年にわたる互恵関係が、弊社の競争力の源泉です。

The long-standing reciprocal relationship with our partners is the source of our competitiveness.

Pattern 'ni wataru' (extending over a period).

取引先のガバナンス体制を精査し、リスクの最小化を図る。

We will scrutinize the partner's governance structure to minimize risks.

Formal verb 'seisa suru' (to scrutinize).

グローバルな取引先網を再構築し、地政学的リスクに対応する。

We will restructure our global partner network to respond to geopolitical risks.

Compound noun 'chiseigakuteki risuku'.

取引先との力関係が逆転し、厳しい交渉を強いられている。

The power balance with the partner has reversed, and we are being forced into tough negotiations.

Passive causative 'shiirarete iru' (being forced).

取引先の社会的責任（CSR）への取り組みが、選定の重要な基準となる。

A partner's commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a key selection criterion.

Noun 'kijun' (standard/criterion).

独占禁止法に抵触しないよう、取引先との関係を適正に保つ。

Maintain appropriate relations with partners to avoid violating anti-monopoly laws.

Pattern 'youni' (so as to/in order to).

取引先との間に生じた紛争を、国際仲裁によって解決を試みる。

We will attempt to resolve the dispute that arose with the partner through international arbitration.

Noun 'funsou' (dispute) and 'chuusai' (arbitration).

取引先の技術革新を自社のエコシステムに取り込み、付加価値を高める。

Incorporate the partner's technological innovations into our ecosystem to increase added value.

Verb 'torikomu' (to take in/incorporate).

Common Collocations

取引先を開拓する

取引先を訪問する

取引先と交渉する

取引先を接待する

取引先の信用

主要な取引先

取引先とのトラブル

取引先の要望

取引先を紹介する

取引先を見直す

Common Phrases

取引先様

— A very polite way to refer to the partner, used in formal writing or announcements.

取引先様各位 (To all our valued business partners.)

新規取引先

— A brand new business partner that a company has just started dealing with.

新規取引先の獲得を目指す。(Aim to acquire new business partners.)

既存取引先

— Current or established business partners that a company already has a relationship with.

既存取引先との関係を深める。(Deepen relationships with existing partners.)

海外取引先

— Business partners located in foreign countries.

海外取引先とのメールは英語で行う。(Emails with overseas partners are done in English.)

重要取引先

— A partner that is crucial to the company's operations or revenue.

彼は重要取引先を担当している。(He is in charge of a key account.)

取引先企業

— A more formal way to say 'partner company.'

取引先企業との合同会議。(A joint meeting with partner companies.)

取引先名

— The name of the business partner company.

帳簿に取引先名を記入する。(Enter the partner's name in the ledger.)

取引先リスト

— A list containing the names and details of all business partners.

最新の取引先リストを更新する。(Update the latest partner list.)

取引先コード

— A unique identification code assigned to a partner in a database.

入力時に取引先コードを確認してください。(Please check the partner code when entering data.)

取引先窓口

— The specific contact person or department at the partner company.

取引先窓口の一覧を作成する。(Create a list of contact points for partners.)

Often Confused With

取引先 vs 顧客 (Kokyaku)

Kokyaku is strictly 'customer.' Torihikisaki includes suppliers.

取引先 vs 同僚 (Douryou)

Douryou are internal colleagues. Torihikisaki are always external.

取引先 vs 関係者 (Kankeisha)

Kankeisha is 'related parties,' a much broader term that could include the press or government.

Idioms & Expressions

"取引先と手を切る"

— To sever ties or end a business relationship with a partner, usually due to a conflict.

不誠実な取引先とは手を切るべきだ。(We should sever ties with dishonest partners.)

Informal / Strong

"取引先の顔を立てる"

— To save the partner's face or act in a way that respects their dignity/reputation.

取引先の顔を立てるために、妥協案を受け入れた。(I accepted the compromise to save the partner's face.)

Business / Diplomatic

"取引先に頭が上がらない"

— To be no match for a partner or to be deeply indebted to them, making it hard to disagree.

大口の取引先には頭が上がらない。(We can't stand up to our biggest client.)

Idiomatic / Business

"取引先を懐に抱き込む"

— To win over a partner completely, often through personal influence or benefits.

ライバル社の取引先を懐に抱き込んだ。(He won over the rival company's business partner.)

Strategic / Slightly Aggressive

"取引先と一心同体"

— To be in perfect harmony or acting as one with a partner company.

我々は取引先と一心同体で開発を進めている。(We are working as one with our partner on development.)

Positive / Collaborative

"取引先に足を運ぶ"

— To personally visit a partner's office (emphasizing the effort of going there).

何度も取引先に足を運んで説得した。(I visited the partner many times to persuade them.)

Common / Respectful

"取引先の懐具合を探る"

— To try and figure out the financial situation or budget of a partner.

交渉前に取引先の懐具合を探る。(Probe the partner's financial situation before negotiations.)

Informal / Strategic

"取引先に塩を送る"

— To help a partner who is in trouble, even if they are technically a rival (based on a historical legend).

困っている取引先に塩を送る。(Helping a partner in need.)

Literary / Historical

"取引先を天秤にかける"

— To play two or more partners against each other to get the best deal.

複数の取引先を天秤にかけて安い方を選ぶ。(Weigh several partners against each other and choose the cheaper one.)

Calculating

"取引先とツーカーの仲"

— To have such a good relationship with a partner that you understand each other without words.

あの取引先とはツーカーの仲だ。(We are on the same wavelength as that partner.)

Colloquial / Business

Easily Confused

取引先 vs 得意先 (Tokuisaki)

Both mean business partner.

Tokuisaki specifically refers to a frequent, regular customer. Torihikisaki is the general term for any partner.

彼は一番の得意先だ。(He is our best regular client.)

取引先 vs 仕入先 (Shiiresaki)

Both involve business transactions.

Shiiresaki is only for the party you buy from. Torihikisaki is for both buying and selling.

仕入先からの納品が遅れている。(The delivery from the supplier is late.)

取引先 vs クライアント (Kuraianto)

Both mean client.

Kuraianto is often used in service industries (ads, consulting). Torihikisaki is more traditional and covers trade.

クライアントの要望を聞く。(Listen to the client's requests.)

取引先 vs 外注先 (Gaichuusaki)

Both are external partners.

Gaichuusaki specifically refers to an outsourcing partner or subcontractor.

この作業は外注先に任せる。(Leave this task to the outsourcing partner.)

取引先 vs 相手 (Aite)

Both mean 'the other person.'

Aite is very general (opponent, partner, companion). Torihikisaki is strictly for business transactions.

結婚の相手を探す。(Look for a marriage partner.)

Sentence Patterns

取引先と～することになっている

来週、取引先と会うことになっている。(It has been arranged that I will meet the partner next week.)

取引先に～してもらう

取引先に資料を送ってもらう。(Have the partner send the materials.)

取引先を～抜きにしては

取引先を抜きにしては、このプロジェクトは進まない。(Without the partner, this project won't move forward.)

取引先に～させる

取引先にサンプルを再提出させる。(Make the partner resubmit the sample.)

取引先といえども

取引先といえども、譲れない条件がある。(Even if they are a partner, there are conditions we cannot concede.)

取引先なりに

取引先なりに努力してくれたようだ。(It seems they made an effort in their own way as a partner.)

Business

取引先にご足労いただく

取引先にご足労いただき、恐縮です。(I am sorry for having the partner go to the trouble of visiting us.)

Business

取引先の意向を汲む

取引先の意向を汲んで計画を変更する。(Change the plan by taking the partner's intentions into account.)

Word Family

Nouns

取引 (torihiki) - Transaction/Deal

取引所 (torihikijo) - Exchange (e.g., Stock Exchange)

取引高 (torihikidaka) - Transaction volume

引先 (hiki-saki) - *Not commonly used alone, but 'saki' is the root for destination.

Verbs

取引する (torihiki suru) - To trade/deal/do business

取り込む (torikomu) - To take in

引き出す (hikidasu) - To pull out/withdraw

Adjectives

取引上の (torihikijou no) - Related to transactions/business

顧客 (kokyaku)

仕入先 (shiiresaki)

得意先 (tokuisaki)

契約 (keiyaku)

商談 (shoudan)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in Japanese corporate life.

Common Mistakes

Using 'torihikisaki' for shop customers. → Okyakusama
Individual consumers are 'customers,' not 'business partners.'
Calling a partner 'Torihikisaki-san' to their face. → [Company Name] + Sama
It sounds like you are calling them 'Business Entity.' Use their name.
Using 'torihikisaki' for internal departments. → Busho / Douryou
Internal teams are not 'destinations of transactions.'
Confusing 'torihiki' (noun) with 'torihikisaki' (noun). → Use 'torihiki' for the deal, 'torihikisaki' for the person.
You can 'have a torihiki,' but you 'visit a torihikisaki.'
Forgetting the 'no' in 'atarashii torihikisaki'. → 新規の取引先 (Shinki no torihikisaki)
When using 'shinki' (new), you usually need the 'no' particle.

Tips

Use in Reports

When writing monthly reports, use 'Torihikisaki' to group all your external contacts. It makes the report look professional and organized.

Respect the Boundary

Remember that 'torihikisaki' are 'Soto' (outside). Always use keigo (honorifics) when communicating with them, even if you have known them for years.

Particle Pairing

The particle 'to' (with) is the most natural match for 'torihikisaki' because business is an action done 'with' someone.

Company vs. Person

While 'torihikisaki' usually refers to the company, it can also refer to the specific person you deal with at that company in casual conversation.

Sales Context

If you are in sales, 'shinki torihikisaki' (new partner) is your goal. If you are in procurement, 'shiiresaki' is your focus.

Gifting

When you send 'Oseibo' (year-end gifts), the list of recipients is your 'torihikisaki list.' Don't forget anyone!

Avoid Confusion

Don't confuse 'torihikisaki' with 'torihiki-chuushi' (cancellation of transaction). One is the partner, the other is the end of the deal.

Credit Checks

In Japan, checking a 'torihikisaki's' credit (shin'you chousa) is a standard procedure before signing any contract.

Pitch Accent

Keep the pitch flat. Rising at the end makes it sound like a question, which can be confusing in business.

The 'Saki' Rule

Whenever you see 'saki' in a business word, think 'the other end of the line.' It helps you remember destination-based words.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Tori' (Bird) + 'Hiki' (Hike) + 'Saki' (Sake). To meet your **Business Partner**, you have to fly like a **Tori**, go on a long **Hike**, and then drink **Sake** together to seal the deal.

Visual Association

Imagine two large office buildings connected by a thick glowing cable. The cable represents the 'Torihiki' (transaction), and the building at the other end is the 'Saki' (the destination/partner).

Word Web

Company Contract Money Meeting Supplier Client Relationship Trust

Challenge

Try to identify three 'torihikisaki' of a famous company like Apple or Toyota. Write them down using the sentence pattern: '[Company A] no torihikisaki wa [Company B] desu.'

Word Origin

The word is a compound of 'Torihiki' and 'Saki'. 'Torihiki' comes from the verbs 'toru' (to take) and 'hiku' (to pull). Historically, this referred to the physical exchange of goods where one person takes an item and the other pulls the payment or a trade item towards them.

Original meaning: The physical act of trading or bartering goods.

Japonic (Yamato Kotoba roots combined into a Sino-Japanese style compound).

Cultural Context

Always use 'sama' when referring to a specific 'torihikisaki' in their presence or in writing to them. Referring to them as just 'torihikisaki' to their face is considered rude.

In English, we distinguish sharply between 'client' and 'supplier.' In Japanese, 'torihikisaki' blurs this line, emphasizing the shared act of doing business rather than the direction of the money.

Hanzawa Naoki (TV Drama) - Frequently uses the term when discussing bank clients. Nikkei Shimbun - The primary Japanese business newspaper where this word appears daily. Teikoku Databank - A famous credit research firm that analyzes 'torihikisaki' risks.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Sales Department

新規取引先の開拓
取引先へのプレゼン
取引先のニーズ
取引先との価格交渉

Accounting/Finance

取引先の支払い条件
取引先の信用調査
取引先別の売上
取引先からの入金

Logistics/Procurement

取引先への発注
取引先からの納品
取引先の在庫管理
取引先の選定基準

Legal Department

取引先との契約締結
取引先との紛争解決
取引先の機密保持
取引先への法的措置

General Management

取引先との提携
取引先への挨拶回り
取引先の再編
取引先との信頼構築

Conversation Starters

"今の会社には、どのような取引先が多いですか？ (What kind of business partners does your current company have many of?)"

"新しい取引先を探すとき、何を一番重視しますか？ (When looking for a new business partner, what do you value most?)"

"取引先とのトラブルで一番大変だったことは何ですか？ (What was the most difficult trouble you had with a business partner?)"

"海外の取引先と仕事をするときに気をつけていることは？ (What do you keep in mind when working with overseas business partners?)"

"取引先を接待するのは、今の時代も必要だと思いますか？ (Do you think entertaining business partners is still necessary in this day and age?)"

Journal Prompts

今日訪問した取引先の印象について詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about your impression of the business partner you visited today.)

将来、どのような取引先と一緒に仕事をしたいですか？ (What kind of business partners would you like to work with in the future?)

取引先との信頼関係を築くための自分なりの工夫を述べてください。 (Describe your own methods for building a relationship of trust with business partners.)

もし主要な取引先が明日いなくなったら、あなたの会社はどうなりますか？ (If your main business partner disappeared tomorrow, what would happen to your company?)

取引先から学んだビジネスの教訓について書いてください。 (Write about a business lesson you learned from a business partner.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no. 'Torihikisaki' implies a professional or corporate relationship. For a person-to-person transaction, you would just say 'aite' (the other party) or 'seller/buyer'.

It can be both. To specify plural, you can say 'torihikisaki-kakushi' or 'fukusuu no torihikisaki' (multiple partners). Example: 'Fukusuu no torihikisaki to hanashiau' (Talk with multiple partners).

No, that is considered cold. Use their company name + 'sama'. For example, 'Tanaka-shouji-sama' instead of 'Torihikisaki-sama'. Only use 'torihikisaki' when referring to them to your own team.

Think of 'tokuisaki' as your 'VIP' or 'regular' clients. 'Torihikisaki' is everyone you do business with, including the ones you only deal with once a year.

No, because you don't have a direct contract with the individual mailman. However, the Post Office (Japan Post) could be considered a 'torihikisaki' of your company if you have a business contract with them.

Use 'shinki no torihikisaki' (新規の取引先). This is a very common phrase in sales meetings.

It is a formal, professional word. It is not 'honorific' in itself, but it is appropriate for use in all business settings.

Yes! A freelancer's clients are their 'torihikisaki.' It sounds very professional for a freelancer to use this word.

It means 'pioneering/developing new business partners.' It's basically the Japanese term for 'business development' or 'lead generation.'

In English, 'partner' can mean a coworker, a spouse, or a business associate. 'Torihikisaki' is strictly for business associates you have transactions with.