The Japanese word 会談 (kaidan) is a formal noun that translates to 'conference,' 'talks,' or 'summit.' It is composed of two kanji: 会 (kai), meaning to meet or assemble, and 談 (dan), meaning to talk or discuss. When combined, they describe a structured, high-level meeting where specific topics are discussed, usually between representatives of organizations, political leaders, or diplomats. This is not a word you would use for a casual chat over coffee with a friend; rather, it implies a level of officiality and purpose. In the context of international relations, you will frequently see it paired with the word for 'summit' (首脳 - shunou) to form 首脳会談 (shunou kaidan), referring to a meeting between heads of state.
- Etymology and Nuance
- The kanji 談 implies a dialogue or discourse rather than a simple speech. Therefore, a 会談 is inherently interactive. Unlike a 'lecture' or a 'presentation,' it requires at least two parties engaging in an exchange of ideas or negotiations. In modern Japanese media, it is the standard term for diplomatic negotiations.
日米首脳はホワイトハウスで会談を行いました。(The Japanese and US leaders held a conference at the White House.)
Understanding the register of 会談 is crucial for learners. It resides in the professional and academic sphere. You will encounter it daily if you read Japanese newspapers like the Asahi Shimbun or watch NHK News. It often describes the act of 'holding' or 'conducting' talks, frequently followed by the verbs 行う (okonau - to conduct) or する (suru - to do). In business contexts, it might describe a formal sit-down between CEOs of merging companies. It suggests that the participants are sitting across from each other, often with advisors nearby, working through an agenda.
- Common Contexts
- Diplomatic negotiations, corporate mergers, official government interviews, and high-level peace talks are the primary environments for this word.
両国の外相は、平和条約について会談した。(The foreign ministers of both countries held talks regarding a peace treaty.)
Historically, the term has been used to describe pivotal moments in history. For instance, the 'Yalta Conference' is known in Japanese as the ヤルタ会談 (Yaruta Kaidan). This historical weight carries over into its modern usage, giving the word a sense of gravity. When you hear that two people are having a 会談, you should assume that the outcome of their conversation will have significant consequences or lead to a formal agreement. It is more than just a 'meeting' (会議 - kaigi); it is the 'act of talking' in a formal capacity.
- Grammatical Usage
- It functions as a noun, but can be turned into a verb by adding する. However, it is more commonly used as a noun in the pattern '[Person A] と [Person B] の会談'.
極秘の会談が都内のホテルで行われた。(A top-secret talk was held at a hotel in the city.)
彼は社長との会談を終えて部屋を出た。(He left the room after finishing his talk with the president.)
Using 会談 (kaidan) correctly involves understanding the specific verbs and particles that accompany it. Because it is a formal noun, it often appears in 'Noun + を + Verb' constructions. The most frequent verb is 行う (okonau), which means 'to carry out' or 'to hold.' This emphasizes the organized nature of the event. For example, 'shunou-kaidan wo okonau' means 'to hold a summit meeting.' Another common verb is 臨む (nozomu), meaning 'to face' or 'to attend,' used when a participant is preparing for or entering into the talks.
- The 'With' Particle
- When specifying who the talk is with, use the particle と (to). For example: 'A-shi to B-shi no kaidan' (Talks between Mr. A and Mr. B).
大統領は首相と1時間にわたり会談しました。(The President held talks with the Prime Minister for over an hour.)
In a business setting, while kaigi (meeting) is more common for internal discussions, kaidan is used when the meeting is between two high-ranking officials from different companies, especially if the meeting is high-stakes. If a CEO meets another CEO to discuss a partnership, the media might refer to this as a kaidan. Note that the word implies a sit-down conversation. It is not used for standing chats or quick updates. The physical posture of 'sitting and talking' is inherent in the kanji 談.
- Duration and Result
- Sentences often include the duration (e.g., '2時間に及ぶ会談' - a talk spanning 2 hours) or the result (e.g., '会談の結果' - as a result of the talks).
長時間の会談の末、合意に達した。(After a long talk, they reached an agreement.)
Another important pattern is the use of adjectives to describe the nature of the talks. Yuukouteki-na kaidan (a friendly talk) versus Kinpaku-shita kaidan (a tense talk). These modifiers help convey the atmosphere of the room. In Japanese political reporting, these nuances are vital. If the news says the talks were 'heikousen' (parallel lines), it means they failed to find common ground, despite the kaidan taking place.
- Passive Usage
- Sometimes talks are 'arranged' or 'set up' using the verb 設ける (moukeru). For example: 'Kaidan no ba wo moukeru' (To set up a venue/opportunity for talks).
急遽、首脳同士の会談が設定された。(A talk between the leaders was suddenly scheduled.)
その記者は独占会談に成功した。(The reporter succeeded in getting an exclusive interview/talk.)
You will encounter 会談 (kaidan) most frequently in the Japanese media. It is a staple of news broadcasts, newspapers, and political documentaries. When the Prime Minister of Japan travels abroad, the news cycle is dominated by reports of their kaidan with other world leaders. You'll hear phrases like 'G7 summit kaidan' or 'Nitchuu-kaidan' (Japan-China talks). It is the language of power and international relations. If you are watching a political drama (like 'Change' or 'Shin Godzilla'), this word will appear whenever high-ranking officials need to discuss a crisis behind closed doors.
- News Headlines
- Headlines often omit particles. You might see '米中会談、合意に至らず' (US-China talks, no agreement reached). This shorthand is essential for reading news apps or tickers.
テレビのニュースで、日韓会談の様子が報じられている。(The state of the Japan-Korea talks is being reported on TV news.)
In a professional environment, you might hear this word if you work in a large corporation or a law firm. It is used when two parties are coming together to negotiate a contract or resolve a dispute. It is less common in small startups where 'meeting' (ミーティング) or 'uchi-awase' (打ち合わせ) are preferred. The use of kaidan signals that the meeting is of high importance and likely involves decision-makers. If your boss says, 'I have a kaidan with the client tomorrow,' they are signaling that this is not a routine check-in, but a significant discussion.
- Literary and Formal Writing
- In biographies of famous figures, you will read about their secret talks (密談 - mitsudan, a subset of kaidan) or their official conferences. It adds a layer of formality and seriousness to the prose.
歴史的な会談がこの部屋で行われたと言われている。(It is said that a historical talk was held in this room.)
Another place you might hear it is in the context of high-level sports administration, such as a kaidan between the heads of the Olympic Committee and a host city's governor. Basically, anywhere where 'official talk' is necessary, kaidan is the go-to word. It is also used in the phrase 'exclusive interview' (独占会談 - dokusen kaidan) in high-end journalism, suggesting a deep, serious conversation rather than a quick red-carpet soundbite.
- Public Announcements
- Government spokespeople use this word in press briefings. 'The Prime Minister intends to hold talks (kaidan) during his visit to Europe.'
政府は明日、首脳会談の概要を発表する予定だ。(The government plans to announce the summary of the summit talks tomorrow.)
二人の指導者は、通訳を介して会談した。(The two leaders held talks through an interpreter.)
The most common mistake for English speakers is using 会談 (kaidan) for casual meetings. If you tell a Japanese friend, 'Ashita, tomodachi to kaidan ga arimasu' (I have a talk with my friend tomorrow), it will sound like you are meeting them for a formal diplomatic negotiation or a high-stakes business merger. Your friend might wonder if they are in trouble or if you are planning something incredibly serious. For casual meetups, use au (to meet) or hanasu (to talk). For scheduled business meetings, use kaigi (meeting) or uchi-awase (preliminary meeting/briefing).
- Homophone Confusion
- In speech, 'kaidan' can mean three very different things depending on the kanji. 1. 会談 (Talks), 2. 階段 (Stairs), 3. 怪談 (Ghost stories). Context usually makes it clear, but be careful with your pitch! 階段 (stairs) starts high and drops, while 会談 is generally flat (heiban).
❌ 友達とカフェで会談する。
✅ 友達とカフェで話す。(Talk with a friend at a cafe.)
Another mistake involves the verb choice. While you can say kaidan suru, it is often better to use kaidan wo okonau (hold a talk) or kaidan ni nozomu (attend a talk) in formal writing. Using kaidan suru in a very formal report might feel slightly too 'light.' Also, remember that kaidan specifically implies a dialogue. You wouldn't use it for a one-way speech or a presentation. If only one person is talking, it's a kouen (lecture) or supiichi (speech).
- Confusion with 'Kaiken'
- Learners often mix up 会談 (kaidan) and 会見 (kaiken). 会見 is a 'press conference' or 'interview' where one party answers questions from many (the press). 会談 is a 'talk' between equal parties (or representatives) to discuss a topic.
❌ 記者会談 (Kisha kaidan)
✅ 記者会見 (Kisha kaiken - Press Conference)
Lastly, be careful with 'shunou-kaidan.' Some learners use it for any meeting with a boss. 'Shunou' means 'head of state' or 'top leader.' Unless you are meeting the CEO of a multi-billion dollar company and it's being reported on by the news, just say 'shachou to no menkai' (a meeting with the president). Overusing high-level vocabulary in low-level situations is a common 'advanced learner' trap that can make your Japanese sound sarcastic or unintentionally funny.
- Spelling Errors
- Writing the kanji for 'dan' (談) can be tricky. Don't confuse it with 'dan' (断 - to cut/refuse) or 'dan' (段 - step/level). 談 always has the 'speech' radical (言) on the left.
❌ 会断 / 会段
✅ 会談 (Wait, look for the 'speaking' radical 言!)
昨日の会談の内容は秘密です。(The contents of yesterday's talks are secret. - Note: This implies a formal negotiation.)
Japanese has many words for 'meeting' or 'talk,' each with its own nuance. Choosing the right one depends on the formality, the participants, and the goal of the conversation. 会談 (kaidan) is at the top of the formality scale, usually reserved for diplomats and high-level executives. Let's compare it with other common terms.
- 会談 vs. 会議 (Kaigi)
- 会議 is a general 'meeting.' It can involve many people and is used for internal business, school clubs, or committees. 会談 is specifically a 'talk' or 'dialogue,' often between two representative parties.
- 会談 vs. 打ち合わせ (Uchi-awase)
- 打ち合わせ is a 'briefing' or 'preliminary meeting' to coordinate details. It is much less formal than kaidan and is very common in the Japanese workplace.
- 会談 vs. 対談 (Taidan)
- 対談 is a 'face-to-face talk' or 'dialogue,' often published in a magazine or broadcast. It's more of an intellectual exchange or interview than a negotiation.
二人の作家による対談が雑誌に載った。(A dialogue between two authors appeared in a magazine.)
If the meeting is for the purpose of 'consultation' or 'advice,' use 相談 (soudan). If it's a 'negotiation' with the aim of reaching a deal, use 交渉 (koushou). While kaidan can involve negotiation, koushou is the specific word for the bargaining process itself. For example, 'chingin-koushou' (wage negotiations). Kaidan is the event where such negotiations might take place. Another related word is 面会 (menkai), which refers to 'interviewing' or 'meeting' someone, often used in hospitals or prisons, or for a formal audience with someone of high rank.
- Specific Types of Kaidan
- 1. 密談 (Mitsudan): Secret talks. 2. 懇談 (Kondan): Informal/friendly talks. 3. 首脳会談 (Shunou-kaidan): Summit talks.
非公式の懇談会が開かれた。(An informal chat/social gathering was held.)
In summary, choose 会談 when you want to sound professional, journalistic, or when describing high-stakes dialogues between official representatives. For everything else, there is likely a more specific or more casual word available. As you progress to B2 and C1 levels, being able to distinguish between kaidan, kaigi, koushou, and taidan is a key sign of vocabulary maturity. Pay attention to how news anchors switch between these terms to describe different aspects of the same event.
- Quick Comparison Table
- - 会談: Formal talks (Diplomatic/Executive).
- 会議: General meeting (Internal/Group).
- 打ち合わせ: Briefing/Coordination (Workplace).
- 対談: Published dialogue (Intellectual/Media).
プロジェクトの打ち合わせをしましょう。(Let's have a briefing for the project.)
Examples by Level
昨日、大切な会談がありました。
Yesterday, there was an important talk.
A1 level uses simple 'arimashita' (there was).
大統領が会談をします。
The President will hold a talk.
Focus on the subject 'Daitouryou' (President).
テレビで会談を見ました。
I saw the talk on TV.
Object marker 'wo' with the verb 'mimashita'.
これは首脳会談です。
This is a summit meeting.
Introducing the compound 'shunou-kaidan'.
会談はどこですか？
Where is the talk?
Simple question structure.
会談は午後一時からです。
The talk is from 1 PM.
Time particles 'kara'.
有名な人の会談です。
It is a talk of famous people.
Possessive 'no'.
会談に行きます。
I am going to the talk.
Directional particle 'ni'.
二人のリーダーが会談しました。
Two leaders held a talk.
Using 'shimashita' as a verb form.
会談の内容は秘密です。
The content of the talk is secret.
Noun 'naiyou' (content).
平和のための会談が行われました。
A talk for peace was held.
Passive form 'okonawaremashita'.
首相はアメリカで会談する予定です。
The Prime Minister plans to hold talks in America.
Using 'yotei' (plan).
会談は3時間続きました。
The talk continued for three hours.
Verb 'tsuzukimashita' (continued).
会談の前にコーヒーを飲みました。
I drank coffee before the talk.
Using 'no mae ni' (before).
ニュースで日米会談を見ました。
I saw the Japan-US talks on the news.
Compound 'Nichibei-kaidan'.
会談はとても静かでした。
The talk was very quiet.
Adjective 'shizuka' (quiet).
両国は首脳会談を行うことで合意した。
Both countries agreed to hold a summit meeting.
Structure 'koto de goui shita' (agreed on doing...).
会談の冒頭、彼は感謝の意を表した。
At the beginning of the talk, he expressed his gratitude.
Noun 'boutou' (beginning).
今回の会談は、経済問題が中心だった。
The focus of this talk was economic issues.
Structure 'ga chuushin datta' (was the focus).
会談の結果、新しい条約が結ばれた。
As a result of the talks, a new treaty was signed.
Resultative 'kekka'.
外相会談は難航しているようだ。
The foreign ministers' talks seem to be running into difficulties.
Verb 'nankou suru' (to run into heavy weather/difficulty).
彼は社長との会談を終えて、満足そうだった。
He seemed satisfied after finishing the talk with the president.
Ending an action with 'wo oete'.
明日の会談に向けて、資料を準備する。
I will prepare the documents for tomorrow's talk.
Directional 'ni mukete' (towards/in preparation for).
非公式の会談が都内のホテルで開かれた。
An informal talk was held at a hotel in the city.
Verb 'hirakareta' (was held/opened).
首脳会談の成否は、今後の外交に大きく影響する。
The success or failure of the summit will greatly affect future diplomacy.
Noun 'seihi' (success or failure).
極秘会談の存在が明らかになり、世間は驚いた。
The existence of top-secret talks was revealed, surprising the public.
Structure 'ga akiraka ni nari' (became clear/revealed).
会談は予定時間を大幅に過ぎて終了した。
The talk ended well past the scheduled time.
Adverb '大幅に' (greatly/significantly).
両首脳は、核軍縮について真剣な会談を行った。
Both leaders held serious talks regarding nuclear disarmament.
Topic marker 'nitsuite'.
会談の詳細は、後日発表される予定だ。
Details of the talks are scheduled to be announced at a later date.
Passive future 'happyou sareru yotei'.
今回の会談で、長年の対立に終止符が打たれた。
In this talk, an end was put to years of conflict.
Idiom 'shuushifu ga utareta' (an end was put to).
記者は、独占会談の機会をうかがっていた。
The reporter was watching for an opportunity for an exclusive interview.
Verb 'ukagau' (to watch for/peep).
会談の決裂により、緊張が高まっている。
Tensions are rising due to the breakdown of the talks.
Noun 'ketsuretsu' (breakdown/rupture).
膝詰め会談を通じて、両者の信頼関係が構築された。
Through a direct, heart-to-heart talk, a relationship of trust was built between both parties.
Compound 'hizazume-kaidan' (knee-to-knee talk).
会談の背後には、複雑な政治的思惑が絡み合っている。
Behind the talks, complex political motives are intertwined.
Verb 'karamiatteiru' (intertwined).
共同声明の文言を巡って、深夜まで会談が続いた。
Talks continued until late at night over the wording of the joint statement.
Structure 'wo megutte' (concerning/over).
会談は和やかな雰囲気で進み、多くの懸念事項が解消された。
The talks proceeded in a friendly atmosphere, and many concerns were resolved.
Adjective 'nagoyaka' (harmonious).
歴史的な会談の舞台となったのは、スイスの山荘だった。
The setting for the historical talks was a mountain villa in Switzerland.
Structure 'butai to natta' (became the stage/setting).
会談での合意事項は、速やかに履行されなければならない。
The items agreed upon in the talks must be implemented promptly.
Adverb 'sokuyaka ni' (promptly).
彼は、会談の成否を握るキーマンとして注目されている。
He is drawing attention as the key person who holds the success or failure of the talks.
Noun 'kiiman' (key person).
会談の中断は、外交上の大きな痛手となるだろう。
The suspension of the talks would be a major blow to diplomacy.
Noun 'itade' (serious wound/blow).
会談の行方は、地政学的なパワーバランスを大きく変容させる可能性を秘めている。
The outcome of the talks holds the potential to significantly transform the geopolitical power balance.
Verb 'himeru' (to harbor/hide/hold).
形式的な会談に終始し、実質的な進展は見られなかった。
The talks were merely formal from start to finish, and no substantive progress was seen.
Structure 'ni shuushi shi' (did nothing but... from start to finish).
会談の記録は、後世の歴史家によって厳密に検証されることになるだろう。
The records of the talks will likely be strictly scrutinized by future historians.
Adverb 'genmitsu ni' (strictly).
今回の会談は、多国間協調の枠組みを再構築する試金石と言える。
This talk can be called a touchstone for rebuilding the framework of multilateral cooperation.
Noun 'shikinseki' (touchstone).
会談の決裂を回避すべく、水面下で熾烈な交渉が展開された。
In order to avoid a breakdown of the talks, fierce negotiations were carried out behind the scenes.
Structure 'subeku' (in order to).
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