Japanese Conversation · Level 86
60 words
Japanese word
駆け引き
Pronunciation
Romajikakehiki
Meaning
- nounbargaining
Example
店員と駆け引きをしています。ten in to ka ke hi ki o shi te i ma su
I am bargaining with the shop clerk.
More examples
交渉では、相手の出方を見ながら駆け引きをします。kō shō de wa ai te no de kata o mi na ga ra ka ke hi ki o shi ma su
In negotiations, I bargain while watching how the other side responds.
Core concept
Describes a strategic exchange in which each side adjusts pressure and concessions to gain an advantage.
Common phrases
駆け引きをするka ke hi ki o su ru
engage in bargaining
駆け引きに長けるka ke hi ki ni ta ke ru
be skilled at bargaining
駆け引きがうまいka ke hi ki ga u ma i
be good at bargaining
Similar words
交渉kōshō: A discussion in which parties seek an agreement by presenting positions and adjusting terms.
探り合いsaguriai: A mutual effort to gauge each side's intentions and likely actions.
応酬ōshū: A reciprocal exchange of words or actions between opposing sides.
Definition in Japanese
相手の出方を見ながら、自分の要求や態度を加減して有利に進めようとすること。ai te no de kata o mi na ga ra ji bun no yō kyū ya tai do o ka gen shi te yū ri ni susu me yō to su ru ko to
Word origin
The noun 駆け引き (kakehiki) comes from 駆ける (kakeru, "to move forward") and 引く (hiku, "to withdraw"), reflecting strategic advances and retreats.
Usage tips
- English bargaining often concerns a price or deal, while 駆け引き (kakehiki) also describes the strategic give-and-take used to influence another person.
Other meanings
- hagglingnoun