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.
プレゼントを受け取りました。
I accepted the present.
彼はその申し出を受け取った。
He accepted the offer.
A casual verb meaning 'to receive' or 'to get'. Often used in daily conversation when accepting something from someone.
友達からお土産をもらった。
I got a souvenir from my friend.
A formal term used in business or official contexts for accepting documents, payments, or deliveries.
書類を受領しました。
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.
彼の提案を受け入れました。
I accepted his proposal.
新しいメンバーを受け入れる。
To accept new members.
A formal verb meaning to consent or agree to a request or proposal. Common in business or official settings.
条件を承諾しました。
I accepted the conditions.
Means to acknowledge and accept a situation or explanation, often used in formal contexts. It implies understanding and agreement.
その件については了承しました。
I have accepted that matter.
A casual way to say 'to accept' or 'to give the OK'. Very common in informal speech.
彼のアイデアにOKした。
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.
現実を受け止めなければならない。
I have to accept reality.
批判を素直に受け止める。
To accept criticism gracefully.
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.
結果を仕方がないと受け入れた。
I accepted the result as something that couldn't be helped.
A formal, somewhat literary term meaning to accept something unpleasant, like criticism or punishment, without resistance.
罰を甘受する。
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.
社会は多様性を受け入れるべきだ。
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.
彼の行動を容認できない。
I cannot accept his behavior.
A casual phrase meaning to let someone join a group or be part of the circle.
彼を仲間に入れた。
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.
自分の間違いを認めた。
I accepted my mistake.