意見交換

• Reading: いけんこうかん
• Romaji: iken koukan
• Kanji breakdown: 意 (i) — intention, idea; 見 (ken/mi) — see, view; 交 (kou/ma) — exchange, mingle; 換 (kan/ka) — swap, replace
• Pronunciation: /i.ke̞n ko̞ː.kan/

Meaning

Exchange of views; sharing of opinions; consultation. A discussion where participants express their perspectives to each other.

A noun (and verbal noun with する) meaning a structured or deliberate exchange of opinions, typically in a formal or semi-formal setting. 意見 means 'opinion/view' and 交換 means 'exchange.' Common in business, academic, and diplomatic contexts. More neutral than 議論 (debate) — it emphasises mutual sharing over confrontation. Commonly used in the pattern 意見交換を行う or 意見交換の場を設ける.

Examples

1. 会議では活発な意見交換が行われ、新しい解決策が生まれた。 The meeting featured a lively exchange of views that gave rise to new solutions.
2. 両国の代表団は首脳会談に先立ち、意見交換を行った。 The two nations' delegations held an exchange of views ahead of the summit.
3. チームメンバー全員が意見交換できる場を定期的に設けている。 We regularly create a forum where all team members can share their opinions.

Usage Guide

Context: business, academics, diplomacy, meetings

Tone: formal, collaborative

Origin & History

意見 (opinion, view — from classical Chinese) + 交換 (exchange, swap). A modern compound combining established Sino-Japanese vocabulary for structured, reciprocal communication.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: Professional