Translation guide
This English idiom describes mutual cooperation or reciprocal exchange of favors. In Japanese, the concept is often expressed through set phrases, proverbs, or direct statements about mutual help. The most natural equivalent depends on context: formal vs. casual, and whether you want a proverb or a plain explanation.
Express the idea of 'if you help me, I'll help you' or 'we help each other'
A common idiomatic phrase meaning 'give and take' or 'mutual dependence'. It implies a balanced, ongoing relationship of mutual support. Suitable for both casual and semi-formal contexts.
ビジネスは持ちつ持たれつだ。
Business is a matter of give and take.
友達とは持ちつ持たれつの関係が大切だ。
With friends, a relationship of mutual support is important.
A proverb meaning 'if a fish is willing, the water will be kind'. It expresses that kindness or cooperation is reciprocated. Somewhat literary or old-fashioned, but still understood.
魚心あれば水心で、彼が協力してくれるならこちらも協力しよう。
If he's willing to cooperate, then we'll cooperate too — you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.
You can directly express the idea with a conditional sentence like 'if you do X, I'll do Y'. This is straightforward and clear, but less idiomatic than set phrases.
君が手伝ってくれたら、僕も手伝うよ。
If you help me, I'll help you too.
協力してくれるなら、こちらも協力する。
If you cooperate with me, I'll cooperate with you.
Literally 'we're both in the same position'. Used to downplay a favor or to express that helping each other is natural. Often said when someone thanks you, implying 'you'd do the same for me'. Very common in daily conversation.
「手伝ってくれてありがとう」「お互い様だよ」
"Thanks for helping me." "We help each other, that's what friends do."
困ったときはお互い様です。
When we're in trouble, we help each other out.
Loanword from English 'give and take'. Used in business or casual contexts, but can sound slightly foreign or trendy. Not as deeply rooted as 持ちつ持たれつ.
人間関係はギブアンドテイクが基本だ。
Human relationships are fundamentally about give and take.