Translation guide
How to talk about negotiations in Japanese, from formal business talks to everyday bargaining.
Referring to structured discussions between companies, governments, or organizations to reach an agreement.
The standard term for formal negotiations. Used in business, politics, and legal contexts.
両社は価格交渉を続けている。
The two companies are continuing price negotiations.
交渉は難航している。
The negotiations are facing difficulties.
A more formal or bureaucratic term for negotiations, often implying behind-the-scenes maneuvering.
政府間の折衝が行われた。
Intergovernmental negotiations took place.
Refers to consultations or discussions, often used when parties are trying to reach a consensus. Less adversarial than 交渉.
労働組合と会社が協議を始めた。
The labor union and the company began negotiations (consultations).
Negotiating prices or terms in informal settings like markets or with service providers.
Specifically price negotiation. Often used when bargaining at markets.
あの店では値段交渉ができる。
You can negotiate the price at that shop.
The verb for haggling or bargaining down a price. Very common in casual contexts.
市場で値切ってみた。
I tried haggling at the market.
もっと値切れますか？
Can you lower the price a bit more? (lit. Can you haggle more?)
To get a discount (by asking). Literally 'to have them lower the price'. Polite and common.
少し負けてもらえませんか？
Could you give me a discount?
Discussing and adjusting conditions like deadlines, contract terms, or personal arrangements.
Also used for non-price negotiations, such as contract terms or schedules.
契約条件を交渉する。
Negotiate the contract terms.
A discussion or talk aimed at reaching an agreement. Softer and more collaborative than 交渉.
To reach a compromise or find a middle ground. Used when both sides adjust their demands.
両者が折り合いをつけて合意した。
Both parties compromised and reached an agreement.
Talking about negotiation as a concept, skill, or ongoing process.
Negotiation skills or techniques.
彼は交渉術に長けている。
He is skilled in negotiation techniques.
Loanword from English. Often used in business contexts, especially for the skill or process.
ネゴシエーションの基本を学ぶ。
Learn the basics of negotiation.
While 交渉 can technically cover price bargaining, it sounds overly formal for everyday situations. Use 値切る or まけてもらう when shopping.
交渉 often implies conflicting interests and a more adversarial process, while 協議 suggests cooperative discussion to find a solution. Use 協議 for meetings aimed at consensus-building.
スケジュールについて話し合いましょう。
Let's discuss (negotiate) the schedule.