相互的

• Reading: そうごてき
• Romaji: sougoteki
• Kanji breakdown: 相 (sou) — each other, mutual; 互 (go) — mutual, reciprocal; 的 (teki) — -like
• Pronunciation: /soː.ɡo.te.ki/

Meaning

Mutual; reciprocal. Describes a relationship or action that goes both ways.

A na-adjective ending in 的 that describes two-way relationships or exchanges: 相互的な理解 (mutual understanding), 相互的な協力 (reciprocal cooperation). The base word 相互 (sougou, mutual) is more commonly used on its own or as a prefix (相互理解, 相互作用). Adding 的 makes it function as a standard na-adjective.

Examples

1. 国際関係には相互的な信頼が必要だ。 Mutual trust is necessary in international relations.
2. 相互的な協力があってこそ成功できる。 Success is only possible with reciprocal cooperation.
3. 教育は教師と生徒の相互的なやり取りだ。 Education is a mutual exchange between teacher and student.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, diplomacy, business

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

Compound of 相互 (sougo, mutual — from 相 'each other' + 互 'mutual') and 的 (teki, -like). Together, 'having the quality of being mutual' — involving both parties equally.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal