Meaning and Usage
「相談」(そうだん) means "consultation" or "discussion" and is commonly used when talking about seeking advice or discussing problems with someone. It is a noun but often used with the verb する to form the verb phrase 相談する, meaning "to consult" or "to discuss."
Common Contexts
People use 相談 when they want to talk about asking for advice on personal matters, work, studies, or health. For example, you might 相談する with a friend about your future plans or with a doctor about your symptoms.
Collocations and Patterns
- 相談する: to consult or discuss
- 相談に乗る (そうだんにのる): to give advice or listen to someone's consultation
- 相談相手 (そうだんあいて): the person you consult with
- 相談内容 (そうだんないよう): the content of the consultation
Register and Politeness
相談 is neutral and polite enough for everyday conversation and formal situations. When speaking formally, you might use 相談いたします or 相談させていただきます.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 相談 with simple asking or telling. 相談 implies a two-way discussion or seeking advice, not just stating information. Make sure to use it when you want to express mutual discussion or advice-seeking.