交流

こうりゅう

exchange

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 交流 (こうりゅう) primarily means "exchange" or "interaction," often referring to the mutual sharing or communication between people, groups, or cultures. It is commonly used in contexts such as cultural exchange, student interaction, or information sharing.

Common Contexts

  • International or cultural exchange events (国際交流)
  • Social or student interactions (学生同士の交流)
  • Business or information exchange (情報交流)

Collocations and Patterns

  • 国際交流 (こくさいこうりゅう): international exchange, often cultural or educational
  • 交流を深める (こうりゅうをふかめる): to deepen exchange or interaction
  • 情報交流 (じょうほうこうりゅう): information exchange

Register and Nuance

交流 is a neutral and formal noun, suitable for both spoken and written Japanese. It often implies a positive, mutual relationship or communication. When using 交流, the speaker usually emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the interaction.

Common Learner Tips

A common confusion is to use 交流 simply as "exchange" without the nuance of mutual interaction. Remember that 交流 implies two-way communication or sharing, not just one-sided transfer. For example, 交流イベント means an event where participants interact, not just receive information.

Example Sentences

こくさいこうりゅうのイベントにさんかして、いろいろなくにのひととはなしました。

I participated in an international exchange event and talked with people from various countries.

がくせいどうしのこうりゅうをふかめるために、グループワークをおこないました。

We did group work to deepen the exchange among students.

じょうほうこうりゅうはビジネスにおいてひじょうにじゅうようです。

Information exchange is extremely important in business.