1.
coordination, adjustment, fine-tuning
The process of coordinating or aligning different elements, opinions, or schedules to reach agreement.
関係者との擦り合わせが必要だ。
Coordination with stakeholders is necessary.
スケジュールの擦り合わせをしましょう。
Let's coordinate our schedules.
各部署との擦り合わせに時間がかかった。
Coordinating with each department took time.
A key concept in Japanese business culture referring to the process of aligning opinions, schedules, or plans among multiple parties before a final decision is made.
ETYMOLOGY:
Literally "rubbing together" — from 擦り合わせる (to rub/grind surfaces together to fit). The original meaning refers to physical fitting of parts; the business meaning is metaphorical.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 擦り合わせを行う: to conduct coordination
- 擦り合わせをする: to coordinate (less formal)
- 関係者との擦り合わせ: coordination with stakeholders
- スケジュールの擦り合わせ: schedule alignment
VERB FORM:
擦り合わせる (to coordinate, to fine-tune)
Frequent in workplace and organizational settings. Reflects the Japanese emphasis on consensus-building (根回し) before formal meetings.