面談

The term refers to a formal face-to-face meeting, but it differs significantly from 面接 (mensetsu). While 面接 is primarily used for job interviews or entrance exams where a candidate is being judged for selection (pass/fail), 面談 focuses on consultation, discussion, or performance review between two or more parties who already have a relationship (e.g., boss and employee, teacher and student).

In academic settings, it is frequently used in the term 三者面談 (sansha mendan), referring to a three-way meeting between a teacher, a student, and a parent to discuss the student's progress and future goals.

In a professional context, it is often used for one-on-one meetings (1on1) to discuss career development, grievances, or periodic evaluations. The tone is professional and structured, though the goal is typically mutual understanding or guidance rather than a competitive screening process.