会談

かいだん

conversation, interview

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 会談 (かいだん) refers to formal talks or discussions, often between officials, leaders, or representatives of organizations or countries. It is more formal than casual conversation and usually implies negotiation or consultation.

Common Contexts

会談 is frequently used in political, diplomatic, or business contexts where official discussions take place. For example, international summits, business negotiations, or government meetings.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 会談を行う (かいだんをおこなう): to hold talks or meetings
  • 会談が進む (かいだんがすすむ): talks proceed or progress
  • 会談の日程 (かいだんのにってい): schedule of the talks

These collocations highlight the formal and planned nature of 会談.

Register and Nuance

会談 is a formal noun and is rarely used in casual conversation. It conveys seriousness and official status. Using it in informal contexts may sound unnatural.

Common Learner Mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 会談 with 会話 (かいわ), which means casual conversation. Remember, 会談 is for formal discussions, while 会話 is everyday chatting.

Example Sentences

りょうこくのしゅのうはけいざいもんだいについてかいだんをおこなった。

The leaders of both countries held talks about economic issues.

かいだんはなごやかなふんいきですすんだ。

The talks proceeded in a friendly atmosphere.

つぎのかいだんのにっていはまだきまっていない。

The schedule for the next meeting has not been decided yet.