示談

• Reading: じだん
• Romaji: jidan
• Kanji breakdown: 示 (ji) — show, indicate; 談 (dan) — talk, negotiation
• Pronunciation: /dʑi.da.ɴ/

Meaning

Out-of-court settlement; private compromise. An agreement reached directly between parties to resolve a dispute without going to trial.

A legal noun describing a civil agreement reached between disputing parties — typically a victim and an offender — outside of formal court proceedings. 示談 is very common in Japan for traffic accidents, personal injury, and minor criminal matters. In criminal cases, reaching a 示談 can influence prosecutorial discretion and sentencing, as it demonstrates remorse and compensation of the victim.

Examples

1. 交通事故の被害者と加害者が弁護士を通じて示談が成立した。 The victim and the perpetrator of the traffic accident reached an out-of-court settlement through their lawyers.
2. 示談交渉が長引いた結果、最終的には裁判に持ち込まれた。 After prolonged settlement negotiations, the case was ultimately taken to court.
3. 刑事事件でも示談が成立すれば不起訴になるケースがある。 Even in criminal cases, there are instances where charges are dropped if a settlement is reached.

Usage Guide

Context: civil law, criminal law, dispute resolution, insurance

Tone: formal

Origin & History

From 示 (ji) meaning 'to show or indicate' and 談 (dan) meaning 'talk or discussion.' Together they suggest a resolution arrived at through mutual discussion rather than judicial decree.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: All classes