お互い

• Reading: おたがい
• Romaji: otagai
• Kanji breakdown: 互 (go/taga) — mutual, reciprocal
• Pronunciation: /o.ta.ɡa.i/

Meaning

Each other; mutual; reciprocal. Refers to a shared or two-way relationship between people.

A noun/adverb frequently used with に to form お互いに (mutually). The polite prefix お is standard and rarely dropped. Common in expressions like お互い様 (it goes both ways / we are in the same boat). Used to express mutual understanding, support, or responsibility.

Examples

1. お互いに助け合うことが大切だ。 It's important to help each other out.
2. 彼女たちはお互いの気持ちをよく理解している。 They understand each other's feelings very well.
3. 困ったときはお互い様だよ。 When times are tough, we're all in the same boat.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, teamwork, encouragement

Tone: warm

Origin & History

Composed of the honorific prefix お and 互い (tagai, mutual/reciprocal), from the verb 互う (tagau), meaning to alternate or exchange. The kanji 互 depicts interlocking elements, representing reciprocity.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal