Translation guide
The English word "middleman" refers to an intermediary in business, communication, or transactions. In Japanese, the best translation depends on the context: a commercial intermediary, a go-between for personal matters, or a broker. This guide covers the most natural ways to express these roles.
A person or company that acts as an intermediary in buying and selling goods, often taking a commission.
General term for a commercial intermediary or middleman, often used in business contexts.
He works as a real estate middleman.
Specifically a broker or middleman in commodity markets, like a stockbroker or grain broker.
The middleman adjusts prices in the market.
Wholesaler; a middleman who buys in bulk and sells to retailers. More specific than general middleman.
We sell directly without going through a middleman.
A person who acts as an intermediary in personal matters, such as introductions, negotiations, or matchmaking.
A go-between, especially for marriage arrangements or formal introductions. Can also be used more broadly.
She acted as a middleman and introduced the two.
A mediator or intermediary in disputes or negotiations. Slightly formal.
Literally 'bridge-building role'; a person who facilitates connections between people or groups.
A person or entity that relays information or facilitates a deal without being the principal party.
The act of intermediation; often used in compound words like 仲介役 (intermediary role) or 仲介する (to mediate).
The contract was concluded through his intermediation.
An intermediary, often in a more abstract or technical sense, like a vector or medium.
To step in as an intermediary; a common verbal phrase meaning to mediate or act as a go-between.
The concept of eliminating intermediaries to deal directly.
仲介 (ちゅうかい) is the general term for intermediation and can be used in business or personal contexts. 仲買 (なかがい) is specifically for commodity brokers. 仲人 (なこうど) is traditionally a matchmaker but can be used for any personal go-between.
The literal translation '中間男' (ちゅうかんおとこ) is not used in Japanese. Always use context-appropriate terms like 仲介者 or 仲買人.
紛争解決のために仲介者が入った。
A middleman stepped in to resolve the dispute.
He acts as a middleman between departments.
彼は情報の媒介者として働いている。
He works as a middleman for information.
The negotiations stalled, so the boss stepped in as a middleman.
We buy directly from the manufacturer, skipping the middleman.