Translation guide
A person or entity that helps two or more parties reach an agreement or resolve a dispute. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is 仲介者 (chūkaisha), but the best choice depends on the context—whether it's a formal dispute, a business introduction, or a personal go-between.
A person who acts as a neutral third party to help others communicate, negotiate, or resolve a conflict.
The most direct and neutral translation for 'mediator'. Used in both formal and informal contexts, such as business, legal, or personal disputes.
彼は両者の仲介者として交渉をまとめた。
He brought the negotiations to a conclusion as a mediator between the two parties.
Specifically refers to a mediator in a formal dispute resolution process, such as legal or labor mediation. More formal than 仲介者.
調停者が労使間の紛争解決に尽力した。
The mediator worked hard to resolve the labor-management dispute.
An arbitrator or mediator who makes a binding decision or strongly guides the resolution. Often used in legal or commercial contexts.
仲裁人の裁定に従うことに合意した。
They agreed to abide by the arbitrator's decision.
A go-between or intermediary, often in personal or business introductions. Can imply a more informal or traditional role.
彼の仲立ちでその会社と取引を始めた。
We started doing business with that company through his mediation.
A person who introduces two parties for business, marriage, or social purposes.
Specifically a matchmaker or go-between for marriage or formal introductions. Very common in traditional contexts.
仲人を通じてお見合いをした。
We had an arranged meeting through a go-between.
Literally 'bridge-building role'. A person who facilitates connections between groups or individuals, often in business or networking.
彼が橋渡し役となって、二つの会社の提携が実現した。
He acted as a bridge-builder, and the partnership between the two companies was realized.
A person who serves as a 'pipe' or channel between two groups. Informal, often used in business or political contexts.
A figure who acts as an intermediary between humans and the divine, or between different realms.
Also used in religious contexts to mean a mediator between God and humanity, though less common than in secular contexts.
キリストは神と人との仲介者とされている。
Christ is considered the mediator between God and humans.
Can mean a medium or channel, often in spiritual or paranormal contexts. Also used in scientific contexts for transmission.
仲介者 is the general term for a mediator who facilitates communication. 調停者 is specifically a mediator in formal dispute resolution (like court-ordered mediation). 仲裁人 is an arbitrator whose decision may be binding. Use 仲介者 for most everyday situations.
友人同士の喧嘩の仲介者になった。
I became a mediator in a fight between friends.
離婚調停では調停者が話し合いを進める。
In divorce mediation, a mediator facilitates the discussion.
In casual conversation, directly translating 'mediator' as 仲介者 can sound stiff. Instead, use phrases like 間に入る (to step in between) or 取り持つ (to mediate/introduce).
彼が間に入ってくれて助かった。
It helped that he stepped in as a mediator.
彼は政府と業界のパイプ役を務めている。
He serves as a liaison between the government and the industry.
彼女は霊界との媒介者だと主張した。
She claimed to be a mediator with the spirit world.