Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Meeting" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "meeting", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
会議
かいぎ (kaigi)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
打合せ
うちあわせ (uchi-awase)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "meeting" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 会議 and 打合せ.
In Japanese, 会議 (かいぎ (kaigi)) is typically associated with "meeting, conference" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A formal gathering of people to discuss specific topics, often in a business or organizational setting. 複数人が集まって、特定の議題について話し合う場です。.
On the other hand, 打合せ (うちあわせ (uchi-awase)) maps to "meeting, preliminary discussion, arrangement" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a preparatory meeting or discussion, often informal, to align plans or confirm details before a main event or task. Can be used as a noun. A literal translation of "meeting" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "会議"
午後3時から会議があります。
There is a meeting from 3 PM.
Bilingual Context for "打合せ"
明日、プロジェクトの打合せがあります。
Tomorrow, we have a meeting for the project.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "午後3時から ＿＿＿ があります。" (Meaning: "There is a meeting from 3 PM.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "会議" fits here because it means "meeting, conference" in the context of: "There is a meeting from 3 PM.". "打合せ" represents "meeting, preliminary discussion, arrangement".