Translation guide
The English word 'mutual' describes something shared, reciprocal, or felt by two or more parties toward each other. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific adjectives, adverbs, and verbs that emphasize reciprocity, as well as through sentence patterns. The most common and natural ways to express 'mutual' depend on whether you are describing a feeling, an action, or a relationship.
mutual understanding
mutual friend
mutual love
A four-character idiom meaning 'mutual love' or 'to love each other'.
Expressing that a feeling, understanding, or state is shared between two or more people.
A formal adjective meaning 'mutual' or 'reciprocal'. Commonly used in written or formal contexts to describe mutual understanding, trust, or cooperation.
Mutual understanding is important.
To build mutual trust.
A more casual and common way to say 'mutual' in everyday speech. Literally 'each other's'. Used for mutual feelings, relationships, or actions.
Let's talk about our mutual feelings.
We introduced our mutual friends.
Means 'common' or 'shared'. Used when two or more people have the same thing, like a mutual friend or interest. Not strictly 'mutual' in the reciprocal sense, but often translates naturally.
We have a mutual friend.
Our mutual hobby is reading.
Describing actions that are done by two or more parties to or for each other.
The adverb 'お互いに' (mutually, each other) combined with a verb. This is the most natural way to express mutual actions in Japanese.
Let's help each other mutually.
We exchanged presents mutually.
Formal adverb meaning 'mutually' or 'reciprocally'. Used in business or official contexts.
The two countries cooperate mutually.
A verb suffix meaning 'to do mutually'. Attach to the stem of a verb to indicate a reciprocal action. Common in compound verbs like 助け合う (help each other), 話し合う (discuss), 愛し合う (love each other).
We love each other mutually.
Let's discuss it and resolve it mutually.
Describing a relationship that is reciprocal or shared between parties.
A noun meaning 'mutual relationship' or 'interrelationship'. Used in formal or academic contexts.
To investigate the mutual relationship between the two phenomena.
A more conversational way to say 'mutual relationship'. Literally 'each other's relationship'.
Let's cherish our mutual relationship.
Expressing that something is beneficial for all parties involved.
相互 (そうご) is more formal and often used in written or official contexts, while お互い (おたがい) is casual and common in everyday speech. Both mean 'mutual' or 'each other', but お互い is more versatile for personal relationships.
Mutual cooperation is necessary. (formal)
Let's do our best mutually. (casual)
The English word 'mutual' is sometimes borrowed as ミューチュアル in specific contexts like 'mutual fund' (投資信託), but it is not a general translation. Using it for everyday mutual feelings or actions sounds unnatural.
We have a mutual friend.
Mutual respect is important in a relationship.
They mutually agreed to the terms.