駆け引きをする

You use this phrase as a verb to describe the act of bargaining. You can also use the noun form 駆け引き to describe the strategy itself. If someone is very good at reading people, you might say they are 駆け引きが上手い (good at maneuvering). It’s a very versatile phrase. It fits anywhere from a high-stakes boardroom to a flirty text exchange. Just remember it implies a bit of cleverness.

Use it when you are at a flea market trying to lower a price. Use it when you are discussing salary with a new boss. It’s also perfect for the 'will-they-won't-they' phase of dating. You can use it in sports to describe tactical play. Even when deciding which movie to watch with a stubborn friend, you might find yourself doing this. It’s for any situation where two people have different goals.

Don't use it for simple, honest interactions. If you are just asking for the time, there is no 駆け引き. Avoid it when someone is being 100% transparent and vulnerable. Using it then might make you sound a bit cynical. Also, don't use it at a supermarket. The prices there are fixed, so trying to bargain just makes things awkward. It requires a situation where the outcome is actually flexible.

This phrase has cool roots in ancient military strategy. In the past, it referred to the way samurai would advance (駆け) and retreat (引き) on the battlefield. It was about baiting the enemy and choosing the right moment to strike. Today, the 'battlefield' has shifted to offices and cafes. Japanese culture often values reading the air (空気を読む), and this phrase is the active version of that. It's about navigating social harmony while still getting your way.

The most common variation is 恋の駆け引き (love games). This describes the strategic flirting people do to keep things interesting. You might also hear 政治的な駆け引き (political maneuvering) on the news. If you want to be direct, you can say 駆け引きなし (no games/no bargaining). This tells the other person you are laying all your cards on the table. It’s a great way to build immediate trust.