Translation guide
A person who acts as an intermediary or messenger between two parties, often in formal, romantic, or business contexts.
A person who arranges or facilitates a romantic relationship or marriage.
A formal matchmaker, especially for arranged marriages (omiai). Can also refer to the person who formally introduces a couple.
Her parents met through a matchmaker.
A formal term for a matchmaker, often used in wedding contexts.
I attended the wedding as a matchmaker.
A playful term for someone who plays cupid, often used among friends.
My friend played cupid for me.
A person who facilitates communication or deals between two parties, often in business or diplomatic contexts.
A neutral intermediary who helps two parties reach an agreement. Common in business and legal settings.
We used an intermediary for the contract negotiations.
A person who acts as a go-between, often in personal or informal arrangements. Can also be used as a verb (仲立ちする).
Literally 'bridge-building role', used for someone who connects two groups or people.
A colloquial term for a person who acts as a conduit or channel between groups, often in business or politics.
A person who delivers messages or items between people.
A messenger or envoy, often in formal or official contexts.
The king sent a messenger to the neighboring country.
A person sent on an errand or as a messenger. Can be casual.
A military or official messenger who transmits orders.
仲人 (nakōdo) is specifically for matchmaking, while 仲介者 (chūkaisha) is a general intermediary in business or disputes. Do not use 仲人 for business contexts.
The English 'go-between' can sound informal, but Japanese equivalents often carry specific nuances. Using 仲介者 for a casual friend helping out may sound too stiff; consider 橋渡し役 or rephrasing.
彼が仲立ちしてくれて、話がまとまった。
He acted as a go-between and the deal was settled.
She serves as a bridge between departments.
He is a conduit between the government and the industry.
I sent a messenger to deliver the letter.
伝令が司令部からの命令を伝えた。
The messenger conveyed the orders from headquarters.