Translation and Meaning of: 打ち合わせ - uchiawase

If you have ever been in with the Japanese corporate world, you have certainly heard the word 打ち合わせ (うちあわせ) being used frequently. It means business meeting, preliminary agreement, or commitment, and it is essential to understand how the Japanese organize projects and align expectations. In this article, you will discover the etymology of this expression, how it is used in everyday life, and even tips to memorize it more easily. Here at Suki Nihongo, you will also find practical examples and ready-made phrases to include in your Anki and boost your studies.

Etymology and Composition of the Kanji

The word 打ち合わせ is formed by two verbs: 打つ (うつ - to hit, to strike) and 合わせる (あわせる - to , to combine). Originally, the term had a more physical meaning, like "hitting something to align," as when craftsmen would adjust wooden pieces by lightly tapping on them. Over time, the meaning evolved to the metaphorical sense of "aligning ideas" or "discussing beforehand."

The kanji 打 (だ) can be found in words like 打診 (だしん - medical consultation) or 打鍵 (だけん - to type), always with the idea of impact or action. Meanwhile, 合 (ごう) appears in such as 合意 (ごうい - consensus) and 合同 (ごうどう - union), reinforcing the notion of combination. This conjunction creates a powerful mental image: people "striking" ideas until they fit perfectly.

Lies in Japanese Everyday Life

In Japan, a 打ち合わせ is not just any meeting. It has a clear purpose: to align details before a project or event. Unlike a 会議 (かいぎ - formal meeting), which can be long and bureaucratic, the 打ち合わせ tends to be more straightforward and practical. It often takes place in cafés or informal rooms, especially in companies with a less hierarchical culture.

An interesting detail is that, although the word is common in the corporate environment, it also appears in creative contexts. Artists and writers use 打ち合わせ to discuss scripts, sketches, or even choreographies. If you work with Japanese people, you will probably hear phrases like 「明日、打ち合わせしましょう」 (Tomorrow, let's have a meeting for alignment). Pay attention to the tone: it usually sounds more collaborative than imposing.

Tips for Memorization and Curiosities

An effective way to 打ち合わせ is to associate it with the sound of hammers hitting – after all, the kanji 打 is there! Imagine two people fine-tuning details like carpenters adjusting a piece. Another trick is to that, in Brazil, we have the habit of "chatting" before closing deals. The essence is similar: informal conversations that prevent future misunderstandings.

In the business world, this word often appears alongside like 日程調整 (にっていちょうせい - schedule adjustment) and 事前相談 (じぜんそうだん - prior consultation). If you search on Google, you will notice that many searches relate 打ち合わせ to professional email in Japanese or how to schedule meetings. This shows how much the term is associated with efficient communication. So, are you ready to schedule your next 打ち合わせ?