1.
severance of diplomatic relations; breaking off diplomatic ties
The formal act of ending official diplomatic relations between two countries, typically by recalling ambassadors, closing embassies, and ceasing government-level contact. Usually taken as a strong protest in response to serious incidents, acts of aggression, or deep policy disputes.
国交断絶を宣言する。
To declare the severance of diplomatic relations.
両国は長年国交断絶の状態にある。
The two countries have been in a state of severed diplomatic relations for many years.
事件を受けて、政府は相手国との国交断絶も辞さない構えを見せた。
In response to the incident, the government signaled that it was prepared even to sever diplomatic relations with the other country.
Composed of 国交 (diplomatic relations, literally "country contact") and 断絶 (severance, cutoff). Refers to one of the most serious measures a country can take short of war: formally ending all official diplomatic channels, usually by withdrawing ambassadors and closing embassies.
USAGE:
- Typically appears in political and news contexts rather than everyday conversation.
- Often paired with する to function verbally: 国交を断絶する (to sever diplomatic relations).
- Contrasts with lesser measures such as recalling an ambassador for consultations, downgrading relations, or imposing sanctions — 国交断絶 is the most severe diplomatic step.
- Citizens of the countries involved may lose consular protection after severance, so the term often appears alongside 在留邦人 (Japanese nationals abroad) in news reports.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 国交断絶を宣言する: to declare the severance of diplomatic relations
- 国交断絶に踏み切る: to go ahead with severing diplomatic relations
- 国交断絶も辞さない: to be prepared even to sever ties
- 国交断絶の危機: a crisis of severed relations
- 国交断絶状態: a state of severed diplomatic relations
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 国交回復: restoration of diplomatic relations — the opposite action
- 国交樹立: establishing diplomatic relations — setting up ties for the first time
- 断交: severance of relations — a shorter, more formal synonym
- 経済制裁: economic sanctions — a less drastic alternative
- 大使召還: recall of an ambassador — a step below full severance