Translation guide
The English word "accepted" can be expressed in Japanese through various verbs and adjectives depending on whether you mean social acceptance, approval of an idea, admission to a group, or formal acknowledgment. This guide covers the most natural ways to convey these nuances.
To say that something is widely recognized, approved, or considered normal in society or a community.
The passive/state form of 認める (to acknowledge/approve). It means 'is recognized/accepted' and is the most common way to express general acceptance.
彼の意見は広く認められている。
His opinion is widely accepted.
この習慣は社会に認められている。
This custom is accepted in society.
From 受け入れる (to accept/receive). Emphasizes that something has been welcomed or embraced by a group.
新しい考え方が徐々に受け入れられている。
The new way of thinking is gradually being accepted.
Literally 'generally accepted'. A clear phrase when you want to emphasize widespread acceptance.
その理論は一般的に受け入れられている。
The theory is generally accepted.
To say that someone has been admitted or allowed to join.
Means 'passed (an exam)' or 'was accepted' when referring to schools or qualifying tests. Use this for academic or examination-based acceptance.
彼は東京大学に合格した。
He was accepted to the University of Tokyo.
Literally 'admission was approved'. Used for being accepted into a club, society, or organization.
彼女はそのクラブに入会を認められた。
She was accepted into the club.
Means 'was hired' or 'was selected'. Use this for job offers or being accepted for a position.
彼はその会社に採用された。
He was accepted by the company (hired).
To say that someone agreed to take something offered.
The past tense of 受け入れる. Means 'accepted' in the sense of taking an offer, condition, or situation.
彼はその申し出を受け入れた。
He accepted the offer.
彼女は現実を受け入れた。
She accepted reality.
A more formal word for 'consented' or 'accepted'. Often used in business or official contexts.
彼はその条件を承諾した。
He accepted the terms.
Means 'undertook' or 'took on'. Used when accepting a task, responsibility, or request.
彼はその仕事を引き受けた。
He accepted the job (task).
To say that someone admits or recognizes something as true.
The past tense of 認める. Means 'admitted' or 'acknowledged'. Use when someone accepts a fact or truth.
彼は自分の間違いを認めた。
He accepted his mistake.
Literally 'caught and stopped'. Means to accept and deal with something emotionally or mentally, like criticism or a difficult truth.
彼女は批判を真摯に受け止めた。
She accepted the criticism sincerely.
認める (mitomeru) focuses on acknowledgment or approval of a fact, status, or value. 受け入れる (ukeireru) emphasizes physically or emotionally taking something in, often with a nuance of welcoming or accommodating. For general social acceptance, 認められている is more common; for accepting an offer or a person into a group, 受け入れる is often better.
Avoid directly translating 'accepted' as アクセプトされた (akuseputo sareta) in most contexts. While loanwords are sometimes used in technical fields (e.g., 'accepted manuscript'), in everyday Japanese it sounds unnatural. Use the verbs above instead.