Translation guide
The English verb "accept" covers a wide range of situations, from receiving objects to agreeing with ideas. Japanese uses different words depending on what is being accepted and the nuance involved.
To take something that is given, offered, or presented.
The most common and neutral word for physically or figuratively receiving something.
I accepted the gift from him.
Please accept the documents.
Casual and common for receiving something from someone, often implying gratitude. Less formal than 受け取る.
I accepted a souvenir from my friend.
Humble form of もらう, used when receiving from a superior or in formal situations.
I accepted the words from the company president.
To say yes to a suggestion, plan, or belief.
To accept an idea, condition, or person; implies willingness to incorporate or allow.
I accepted his proposal.
Formal agreement, often used for official offers or requests.
He accepted the conditions.
To accept a task, responsibility, or challenge; implies taking on a burden.
Very casual, often used in spoken Japanese to mean 'accept' or 'agree'.
I accepted his invitation.
To recognize that something is true or valid, often reluctantly.
To accept something unpleasant without trying to change it.
To allow use of a particular payment type.
受け取る is for receiving physical items or messages. 受け入れる is for accepting abstract things like ideas, conditions, or people. Do not use 受け取る for accepting a proposal.
Avoid directly translating 'accept' as アクセプトする, which is rarely used outside technical contexts. Use the appropriate Japanese verb based on the nuance.
I accept your apology.
She accepted the job offer.
It's important to accept new cultures.
I accepted the job.
It's hard to accept reality.
To accept criticism sincerely.
We accept electronic money.