譲歩

• Reading: じょうほ
• Romaji: jouho
• Kanji breakdown: 譲 (jou) — concede, yield; 歩 (ho) — step, walk
• Pronunciation: /dʑoː.ho/

Meaning

Concession; compromise; yielding ground. The act of giving way on a point in negotiation or discussion.

A noun and suru-verb meaning to make concessions or compromise. Used in negotiations, arguments, and diplomacy. The する form (譲歩する) means 'to concede' or 'to make a concession.' Can also function as a no-adjective (譲歩の姿勢 — a conciliatory stance). Carries a sense of deliberately stepping back from one's position.

Examples

1. 交渉が長引いたが最終的にお互いが譲歩した。 The negotiations dragged on, but in the end both sides made concessions.
2. この問題では一歩も譲歩するつもりはない。 I have no intention of giving an inch on this issue.
3. 相手の譲歩なしには合意は難しいだろう。 Without concessions from the other party, reaching an agreement will be difficult.

Usage Guide

Context: negotiation, politics, business

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Chinese, combining 譲 (yield, concede) and 歩 (step). Literally 'yielding a step' — the image of stepping back to give the other party room, reflecting the physical metaphor of retreating in a negotiation.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal