Japanese word

根回し

Pronunciation

Romajinemawashi

Meaning

  • nounlaying the groundwork

Example

会議の前に根回しをします。kai gi no mae ni ne mawa shi o shi ma su

I lay the groundwork before the meeting.

Illustration for 根回し (laying the groundwork)

More examples

発表を成功させるため、担当者に根回しをしました。hap pyō o sei kō sa se ru ta me tan tō sha ni ne mawa shi o shi ma shi ta

I made arrangements with the people in charge to ensure the presentation would succeed.

Core concept

It describes arranging support and agreement in advance, often through private discussions, before presenting a plan or making a decision publicly.

Common phrases

  • 根回しをするne mawa shi o su ru

    lay the groundwork

  • 根回しをしておくne mawa shi o shi te o ku

    lay the groundwork in advance

  • 根回しを始めるne mawa shi o haji me ru

    begin laying the groundwork

Similar words

事前調整jizenchōsei: Coordination in advance to align the people and conditions involved in a plan.
下相談shitasōdan: A private preliminary discussion to seek support or agreement for a plan.
下準備shitajunbi: Preparations made beforehand so that an activity or plan can proceed smoothly.
事前協議jizenkyōgi: Discussions held before a formal meeting or decision to examine a plan.

Definition in Japanese

物事を円滑に進めるため、あらかじめ関係者の理解や協力を取り付けておくこと。mono goto o en katsu ni susu me ru ta me a ra ka ji me kan kei sha no ri kai ya kyō ryoku o to ri tsu ke te o ku ko to

Word origin

根回し (nemawashi) combines 根 (ne, "root") and 回し (mawashi, "turning"). It originally meant preparing a tree's roots before transplanting and later meant preparing people for a plan.

Usage tips

  • The English loanword nemawashi is used in some business contexts for gaining agreement before a meeting, which shows that a formal meeting may confirm a decision rather than create it.

Other meanings

  • consensus buildingnoun
  • behind-the-scenes maneuveringnoun

Related words

  • 根回しするnemawashisurulay the groundworkverb

Word lists with this word