Translation and Meaning of: 会談 - kaidan

The Japanese word 会談 (かいだん, kaidan) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries important nuances in the language and culture of Japan. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and use in different contexts, as well as tips for memorizing it efficiently. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding like this is essential for expanding your vocabulary and cultural comprehension.

Meaning and translation of 会談: "conference" or "talks"

会談 is composed of two kanji: 会 (meeting, gathering) and 談 (conversation, discussion). Together, they form a word that means "formal conversation," "meeting," or "negotiation." Unlike a casual conversation, 会談 is used for more serious situations, such as diplomatic or business discussions.

In Portuguese, the closest translation would be "interview," "consultation," or "debate," depending on the context. For example, a meeting between political leaders can be called 会談, while an informal conversation among friends wouldn’t fit that term.

Origin and Cultural Use

The origin of 会談 dates back to the classical use of the kanjis that compose it. While 会 was already used in ancient Chinese to describe formal meetings, 談 brought the idea of structured dialogue. The combination of these ideograms reinforces the implicit formality in the word.

In modern Japan, 会談 is frequently used in news about politics and business. A common example is the coverage of international summits, where reporters might say "日米首脳会談" (nichibei shunō kaidan) to refer to a meeting between the leaders of Japan and the USA.

Tips for memorizing 会談

An effective way to this word is to associate its kanjis with concrete situations. Think of 会 as "meeting" and 談 as "serious conversation." Together, they form a "meeting for important discussions." This decomposition technique helps to understand not only the meaning but also the context of use.

Another tip is to create flashcards with real examples, such as newspaper headlines that use 会談. Repeated exposure to authentic uses of the word in everyday Japanese makes it easier to internalize the vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 交渉 (Koushou) - Negotiation
• 協議 (Kyougi) - Formal discussion or agreement
• 対話 (Taiwa) - dialogue
• 会話 (Kaiwa) - Conversation
• 話し合い (Hanashiai) - Discussion or meeting to talk about a subject