交流
kōryū[ko̞ːɾʲɨː]
The Japanese word for interaction is 交流 (kōryū).
交流 refers to the exchange or communication between people or groups, often emphasizing the exchange of ideas, cultures or information. It is used to describe a process of mutual connection rather than a single, brief physical or chemical interaction.
Meaning: conversation or exchange between people (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 交, meaning exchange or intersect and 流, meaning flow or stream.
Which one should you use?
While 交流 describes the exchange of ideas or culture between groups or people, it is not used to describe a single, brief physical or chemical interaction. For deeper, more meaningful interactions that imply a genuine connection, the term 交わり is used. For casual and friendly interaction in informal contexts, the term ふれあい is preferred.
How do you pronounce it?
kōryū
Did you know?
- The word 交流 is also the standard technical term for 'alternating current' in electricity. The characters literally describe the 'flow' of electricity 'crossing' back and forth.
- In Japanese business culture, the 'interaction' used to build trust is often called 接待 (settai). Unlike 交流, which is a mutual exchange, this refers to a specific type of entertainment provided by a host to a client.
- Using the word 交流 can make a simple chat sound like a high-level diplomatic or cultural exchange, as it is frequently used in official government or academic contexts.
Examples in context
- このイベントは異文化の交流を促進するものです。This event aims to promote interaction between different cultures.
- 彼らの個人的な交わりは信頼と共感に満ちています。Their personal interaction is filled with trust and empathy.
- 公園で子供たちが楽しくふれあっていました。The children were happily interacting with each other in the park.
- チームメンバー間のコミュニケーションを強化する必要があります。We need to strengthen the interaction among team members.
- 地域住民との交流が大切です。Chiiki jūmin to no kōryū ga taisetsu desu.Interaction with local residents is important.
- もっと多くの人と交流したいです。Motto ōku no hito to kōryū shitai desu.I want to interact with more people.
- 文化交流のイベントに参加しました。Bunka kōryū no ibento ni sanka shimashita.I participated in a cultural exchange event.
Example conversation
Two students are talking about a school festival project.
- 陽葵 Himari学生同士の交流を深めたいです。Gakusei dōshi no kōryū o fukametai desu.I want to deepen the interaction between students.
- 健太 Kentaそれはとても良いアイデアですね。Sore wa totemo yoi aidea desu ne.That is a very good idea.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さんはどう思いますか？Kenta-san wa dō omoimasu ka?What do you think, Kenta?
- 健太 Kenta僕も賛成ですよ。Boku mo sansei desu yo.I agree too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 交流, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
