Translation guide
The concept of acceptance in Japanese can be expressed through various words and phrases depending on whether you mean receiving something, agreeing to an idea, or embracing a situation. This guide covers the most common and natural ways to convey acceptance in different contexts.
To accept a physical object, gift, invitation, or offer.
The most common verb for physically receiving something or accepting an offer. It implies taking something into one's hands or possession.
I accepted the present.
He accepted the offer.
A casual verb meaning 'to receive' or 'to get'. Often used in daily conversation when accepting something from someone.
I got a souvenir from my friend.
A formal term used in business or official contexts for accepting documents, payments, or deliveries.
I have received the documents.
To accept a suggestion, plan, or terms; to say yes to something.
Means to accept an idea, condition, or situation, often implying willingness or approval. Can also be used for accepting a person into a group.
I accepted his proposal.
A formal verb meaning to consent or agree to a request or proposal. Common in business or official settings.
I accepted the conditions.
Means to acknowledge and accept a situation or explanation, often used in formal contexts. It implies understanding and agreement.
I have accepted that matter.
A casual way to say 'to accept' or 'to give the OK'. Very common in informal speech.
I accepted his idea.
To accept a difficult fact, one's fate, or an unavoidable situation; to come to terms with something.
Means to accept and deal with a situation or fact, often emotionally. It implies facing reality squarely.
I have to accept reality.
Means to acknowledge or admit something, often used when accepting a truth or one's mistake.
A common phrase meaning to accept something as inevitable or beyond one's control. 'Shikata ga nai' is a key cultural concept of resignation.
A formal, somewhat literary term meaning to accept something unpleasant, like criticism or punishment, without resistance.
To accept punishment.
To accept someone into a community, organization, or social circle; to be welcoming.
Also used for accepting people into a group or society. It can imply tolerance or active welcome.
Society should accept diversity.
Means to tolerate or permit, often used in contexts of accepting differences or behaviors that one might not fully agree with.
I cannot accept his behavior.
A casual phrase meaning to let someone join a group or be part of the circle.
We accepted him into our group.
These three verbs share the kanji 受 but have distinct nuances. 受け取る is for physically receiving objects or offers. 受け入れる is for accepting ideas, conditions, or people. 受け止める is for emotionally accepting and dealing with situations or facts.
English 'accept' can often be translated directly, but in some cases a more natural Japanese expression exists. For example, 'accept an invitation' is often 招待に応じる (しょうたいにおうじる) rather than 招待を受け取る. Be mindful of collocations.
To accept new members.
To accept criticism gracefully.
自分の間違いを認めた。
I accepted my mistake.
I accepted the result as something that couldn't be helped.