(めいしこうかん)

めいしこうかん
noun
exchanging business cards
1. exchanging business cards
The formal ritual of exchanging business cards when meeting someone in a professional setting. A key part of Japanese business etiquette.
まず名刺交換(めいしこうかん)をしましょう。
Let's exchange business cards first.
会議(かいぎ)(まえ)名刺交換(めいしこうかん)()ませた。
We finished exchanging business cards before the meeting.
日本(にほん)では名刺交換(めいしこうかん)のマナーがとても大切(たいせつ)にされている。
In Japan, the etiquette of exchanging business cards is considered very important.

A compound of 名刺(めいし) (business card) + 交換(こうかん) (exchange). In Japanese business culture, this ritual follows specific rules of etiquette.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 名刺交換(めいしこうかん)をする: to exchange business cards
  • 名刺交換(めいしこうかん)()ませる: to finish exchanging cards
  • 名刺交換(めいしこうかん)のマナー: business card exchange etiquette

CULTURAL NOTE:
When exchanging business cards in Japan, one should present the card with both hands, with the text facing the recipient. Received cards should be treated respectfully — never written on, bent, or placed carelessly. During a meeting, received cards are typically lined up on the table in front of you as a reference.