和解する
wakai suru
To make peace in Japanese is 和解する (wakai suru).
The phrase 和解する is used to describe ending hostilities, whether in the context of interpersonal disputes, such as friends making up or in formal legal and political settlements.
Meaning: to end hostilities (verb)
Which one should you use?
While 和解する is a general term for making peace, other specific forms exist: 和解に至る is used to describe the process of finally arriving at a peaceful resolution, while 和解を図る specifically means to seek reconciliation in diplomatic or legal contexts. For the act of establishing peace in formal settings, use 和平を成立させる. For a much more casual meaning of 'to get along well', use 仲良くする.
How do you pronounce it?
wakai suru
Did you know?
- While 和解する works for legal settlements, if you are settling a grudge or a long-standing personal feud, Japanese speakers might use 矛を収める (hofu o osameru), which literally means 'to put away one's spear'.
- The kanji 和 in 和解する also means 'Japanese style' or 'harmony'. It is used as a prefix for many traditional things, such as 和服 for 'Japanese clothing' and 和食 for 'Japanese food'.
- The character 解 in 和解 means 'to untie' or 'to solve', implying that making peace is viewed as the act of untying a knot or resolving a complicated problem.
Examples in context
- 経済による和平を成立させるための交渉が続いています。Negotiations for establishing peace through the economy are ongoing.
- 悪化した関係を改善し、和解を図るための努力が必要です。Efforts are needed to improve the deteriorated relationship and seek reconciliation.
- もう仲直りしようよ。一緒に明日ランチ行かない？Let's make up already. Shall we go for lunch together tomorrow?
Example conversation
Yui and Hiroto are talking about their fighting friends.
- 結衣 Yui二人が和解するのは難しいと思う。futari ga wakai suru no wa muzukashii to omou.I think it's difficult for those two to make peace.
- 大翔 Hirotoそんなことないよ。もう仲直りしたいはずだ。sonna koto nai yo. mou nakanaori shitai hazu da.I don't think so. They must want to make up already.
- 結衣 Yuiじゃあ、大翔が間に入って和解させて。jaa, Hiroto ga ma ni haitte wakai sasete.Then, Hiroto, you step in and help them make peace.
- 大翔 Hirotoいいよ。僕が話してみるね。ii yo. boku ga hanashite miru ne.Sure. I'll try talking to them.
