商談

The term refers specifically to a formal business meeting where the primary goal is to reach a commercial agreement or close a deal. It encompasses the entire process of presenting a proposal, discussing terms, and finalizing a contract.

While often translated as "negotiation," it differs from the Japanese word "kōshō" (交渉). "Kōshō" focuses on the act of bargaining, debating, or adjusting specific terms to resolve a conflict or reach a compromise. In contrast, "shōdan" is a broader, more professional term for the business meeting itself, including the introductory and presentation phases.

In a professional setting, "shōdan" is a formal noun. It is typically used in business reports, schedules, and formal emails. When speaking with a client, one might use more polite phrasing like "o-hanashi" (お話) or "uchi-awase" (打ち合わせ) to avoid sounding too transactional or aggressive, although "shōdan" remains the correct technical term for the activity.