交涉

• Pinyin: jiāo shè
• Hanzi breakdown: 交 = to engage, interact; 涉 = 氵(water) + 步 — to wade through, be involved in

Meaning

To negotiate; to take up a matter with someone. To discuss or deal with an issue, often to resolve a dispute or reach an agreement.

Implies formal or semi-formal communication to resolve issues, often with an element of assertiveness. Common in business, diplomatic, and legal contexts. Suggests back-and-forth discussion rather than a simple request.

Examples

1. 消费者有权就产品质量问题与商家交涉。 Consumers have the right to negotiate with merchants regarding product quality issues.
2. 两国外交部门正在就边境问题进行交涉。 The foreign affairs departments of both countries are currently in negotiations over border issues.
3. 他亲自出面与物业公司交涉，终于解决了停车位的问题。 He personally stepped in to negotiate with the property management company and finally resolved the parking space issue.

Usage Guide

Context: business, diplomatic, legal

Tone: assertive

Do Say

• 这件事我会去跟他们交涉。(I will go negotiate this matter with them.)
• 经过多轮交涉，双方终于达成协议。(After multiple rounds of negotiation, both sides finally reached an agreement.)

Don't Say

• 用'交涉'描述普通的聊天或请求 (Don't use 交涉 for casual conversation or simple requests — it implies formal negotiation; use 沟通 or 商量 for lighter discussions)

Origin & History

Composed of 交 (to engage with) + 涉 (to wade through; to involve). Together they suggest engaging with a matter that requires working through difficulties.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Professional