駆(か)け引(ひ)き

かけひき
noun, suru-verb
bargaining; tactics; maneuvering
1. bargaining; negotiation tactics
Strategic maneuvering in negotiations or discussions to gain an advantage.
値段(ねだん)の駆(か)け引(ひ)きをする。
To bargain over the price.
政治(せいじ)の駆(か)け引(ひ)きは複雑(ふくざつ)だ。
Political maneuvering is complicated.
2. psychological games; strategic interplay
The strategic back-and-forth in relationships or competitions, including testing each other.
恋愛(れんあい)の駆(か)け引(ひ)きは苦手(にがて)だ。
I'm not good at relationship games.

ETYMOLOGY:
駆(か)け (running, racing) + 引(ひ)き (pulling) - from the military tactics of advancing and retreating

USAGE:

Can describe:

  • Business/political negotiations
  • Relationship dynamics (romantic or otherwise)
  • Strategic games between parties

COLLOCATIONS:

  • 駆(か)け引(ひ)きをする - to bargain, to maneuver
  • 駆(か)け引(ひ)きが上手(うま)い - good at negotiating/maneuvering
  • 恋愛(れんあい)の駆(か)け引(ひ)き - romantic games/tactics

RELATED:

  • 交渉(こうしょう) - negotiation
  • 取(と)り引(ひ)き - dealing, transaction
  • 策略(さくりゃく) - strategy, scheme
general
Added 2026.1.21 8:30
07500/07703_kakehiki