Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Negotiation" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "negotiation", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
交渉
こうしょう (kōshō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
折衝
せっしょう (sesshou)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "negotiation" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 交渉 and 折衝.
In Japanese, 交渉 (こうしょう (kōshō)) is typically associated with "negotiation; bargaining; relation" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to conducting negotiations, bargaining, or having discussions to reach an agreement.
On the other hand, 折衝 (せっしょう (sesshou)) maps to "negotiation, bargaining, discussions" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Refers to the act of negotiating or mediating to reach an agreement or compromise, often in business, diplomacy, or politics. It implies a back-and-forth discussion to resolve differences.. A literal translation of "negotiation" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "交渉"
契約の条件について、取引先と粘り強く_______を続けています。
Regarding the conditions of the contract, we are patiently continuing negotiations with the client.
Bilingual Context for "折衝"
難しい折衝を重ねて、やっと合意に達した。
After repeated difficult negotiations, we finally reached an agreement.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "契約の条件について、取引先と粘り強く_______を続けています。" (Meaning: "Regarding the conditions of the contract, we are patiently continuing negotiations with the client.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "交渉" fits here because it means "negotiation; bargaining; relation" in the context of: "Regarding the conditions of the contract, we are patiently continuing negotiations with the client.". "折衝" represents "negotiation, bargaining, discussions".