1.
the other party; the other side; they
A formal way to refer to the other person or organization in a business or professional context, without naming them directly.
先方に連絡してください。
Please contact the other party.
先方の都合に合わせて日程を調整する。
I'll adjust the schedule to fit the other party's convenience.
先方から正式な返事がまだ届いていないので、もう少し待ちましょう。
We haven't received a formal reply from them yet, so let's wait a bit longer.
A formal business term for referring to the other party in a negotiation, transaction, or professional interaction. Very commonly used in workplace conversations and business emails. Allows the speaker to refer to the other side without using their name or a pronoun.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 先方に連絡する: to contact the other party
- 先方の要望: the other party's request
- 先方の都合: the other party's convenience
- 先方から返事がある: to receive a reply from them
- 先方に確認する: to confirm with the other party
USAGE:
Primarily used in business and professional settings. In casual conversation, people would simply say 相手 or 向こう instead.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 相手: the other person, partner — general-purpose, used in any context
- 向こう: the other side, over there — more casual
- 取引先: business partner, client — specifically a company you do business with