Translation guide
The English verb 'negotiate' covers a range of situations from formal business deals to everyday discussions. In Japanese, the best translation depends on the context: formal negotiations, bargaining over price, or simply discussing terms. This guide helps you choose the most natural expression.
negotiate a contract
negotiate a deal
To discuss something formally in order to reach an agreement, especially in business, politics, or official settings.
The most common and neutral word for formal negotiations. Used for business deals, diplomatic talks, etc.
We are negotiating a new contract.
They negotiated a pay raise.
A more formal or literary term for negotiations, often implying back-and-forth discussion. Common in news or business contexts.
Negotiations between labor and management are ongoing.
Loanword from English, used in business contexts but less common than 交渉. Can sound slightly trendy.
I'm going to negotiate with the client today.
To discuss the price or conditions of something in order to get a better deal, often in markets or informal settings.
Specifically means to haggle over price. Very common in shopping contexts.
To talk about the details of an arrangement or agreement in a less formal way, such as with friends or in everyday situations.
To successfully move through or deal with a challenging physical or abstract situation.
交渉する is for formal negotiations (contracts, diplomacy), while 値切る is specifically for haggling over price in shops or markets. Using 交渉する for price bargaining can sound overly formal or unnatural.
I like to bargain at the market.
He always tries to negotiate the price.
A more general phrase meaning 'to negotiate the price'. Slightly more formal than 値切る.
I negotiated the price of the used car.
Refers to bargaining or tactical maneuvering in negotiations, often with a nuance of strategy or bluffing.
He's good at bargaining (using tactics).
Means 'to discuss' or 'to talk over'. Used when negotiating terms through conversation rather than formal bargaining.
Let's negotiate the travel plans.
I discussed (negotiated) the salary with him.
Means 'to consult' or 'to discuss'. Implies seeking agreement or advice, often used when negotiating plans.
Let's negotiate the schedule.
Means to overcome or get through a difficulty. Used metaphorically for negotiating a tricky situation.
He successfully negotiated the difficulties.
Means to surmount or overcome. Can be used for obstacles or hardships.
Let's think of a way to negotiate this problem.
Literally 'to pass through skillfully'. Used for physically negotiating a narrow path or crowded area.
I negotiated the crowd and arrived at the station.
Bargaining is not very common in Japanese stores.
In English, 'negotiate' can be used loosely for any discussion to reach an agreement. In Japanese, using 交渉する for casual situations (like deciding where to eat) sounds too heavy. Use 話し合う or 相談する instead.