膝を交える

• 読み: ひざをまじえる
• ローマ字: hiza o majieru
• 漢字の分解: 膝 (shitsu/hiza) — knee; 交 (kō/ma) — mix, exchange, intersect
• 発音: /hi.za o ma.dʑi.e.ɾɯ/

意味

To sit together closely; to have a frank, intimate conversation; to consult face-to-face with full attention.

An idiomatic expression using the Group 2 (ichidan) verb 交える (majieru, to intermix/have exchanges). Literally means 'to have knees touching' — evoking the closeness of two people sitting cross-legged and facing each other directly. Used for important, intimate discussions where full attention and candour are expected. Common in diplomatic, business, and counselling contexts.

例文

1. 両国の首脳が膝を交えて、将来の関係について率直に話し合った。
2. 部下の悩みを聞くために、上司は膝を交えて面談の時間を設けた。
3. こういう大切な問題は、膝を交えて直接話し合うべきだと思う。

使い方ガイド

場面: diplomacy, business, counselling, serious discussion

トーン: respectful

起源と歴史

From the image of two people sitting so closely that their knees nearly touch — a traditional Japanese posture of engaged, respectful conversation. The expression reflects the cultural value placed on direct, face-to-face dialogue for serious matters.

文化的背景

時代: Traditional–Modern

世代: Adults

社会的背景: Professional