断交

• Reading: だんこう
• Romaji: dankō
• Kanji breakdown: 断 (dan/ta) — to sever, cut off; 交 (kō/ma) — intercourse, relations, exchange
• Pronunciation: /daɴ.koː/

Meaning

Severance of diplomatic relations; breaking off ties. The formal termination of diplomatic relations between two countries.

Used as both a noun and a する-verb (断交する). A serious diplomatic action typically taken in response to armed conflict, extreme political disagreement, or a major incident between states. It involves the withdrawal of ambassadors and closure of embassies. Distinguished from 国交正常化 (normalisation of relations), which is its opposite. Often a precursor to or consequence of sanctions or armed conflict.

Examples

1. 両国間の武力衝突を機に外交断交が宣言された。 A severance of diplomatic relations was declared following armed conflict between the two countries.
2. 断交後も民間レベルでの交流は細々と続いた。 Even after the severance of relations, exchanges at the private level continued on a small scale.
3. 国際社会はその政権に断交を含む制裁措置を警告した。 The international community warned the regime of punitive measures including a severance of diplomatic relations.

Usage Guide

Context: diplomacy, international relations, politics, conflict

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 断 (to sever, cut off) and 交 (intercourse, relations, exchange). Literally the cutting off of relations between nations.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal