Translation guide
How to express acknowledgement in Japanese, from casual nods to formal written recognition.
彼はうなずいた。
He nodded in acknowledgement.
To show you are listening or have understood what someone said.
The most basic acknowledgement, like 'yes' or 'I hear you'. Used in formal and casual settings.
"Please submit this document." "Yes, understood."
Casual 'yeah' or 'uh-huh'. Used among friends or family.
「明日映画に行かない？」「うん、いいよ。」
"Want to go to a movie tomorrow?" "Yeah, sounds good."
Expresses understanding or realization, like 'I see' or 'that makes sense'.
「このボタンを押すと、画面が切り替わります。」「なるほど、そういう仕組みだったんですね。」
"If you press this button, the screen switches." "I see, so that's how it works."
The act of giving verbal nods like 'はい', 'ええ', 'そうですか' to show you're listening. Important in Japanese conversation.
日本人は会話中によく相槌を打ちます。
Japanese people often give verbal nods during conversation.
To express gratitude or recognize contributions in a formal written context.
Formal written acknowledgement, often found in academic papers or books.
この論文の最後に謝辞を述べます。
I will express my acknowledgements at the end of this paper.
A formal phrase meaning 'to express gratitude', used in speeches or formal writing.
ここに深く感謝の意を表します。
I would like to express my deep gratitude here.
General word for thanks, can be used in less formal written acknowledgements.
To confirm that you have received a message, document, or item.
Formal term for acknowledgement of receipt, used in business emails.
メールの受領確認をお願いします。
Please confirm receipt of the email.
Polite way to say 'I received it'. Common in emails.
資料を受け取りました。ありがとうございます。
I received the documents. Thank you.
Means 'it arrived', used for physical items or messages.
荷物が届きました。
The package arrived.
To admit or recognize that something is true or exists.
Recognition or awareness of a fact. Often used in formal contexts.
問題の認識が不足している。
There is a lack of acknowledgement of the problem.
To admit or acknowledge something, often reluctantly.
Formal acknowledgement or acceptance of a situation, often used in business.
ご不便をおかけしますが、何卒ご承知ください。
We apologize for the inconvenience and ask for your understanding.
To acknowledge someone without words, through gestures.
To nod, the most common non-verbal acknowledgement.
彼は黙ってうなずいた。
He silently nodded in acknowledgement.
A slight bow used as a greeting or acknowledgement, more formal than a nod.
彼は軽く会釈して部屋を出た。
He gave a slight bow and left the room.
English 'acknowledgement' covers many situations. In Japanese, you often need a specific verb or phrase depending on context. Avoid using a single word for all cases.
了解しました
Understood (acknowledging instructions)
受領確認 is a formal noun phrase used in business for 'acknowledgement of receipt'. 受け取りました is the polite verb form 'I received', more direct and common in emails.
彼女は認めるようにうなずいた。
She gave a nod of acknowledgement.
I give my thanks to those who helped me.
彼は自分の間違いを認めた。
He acknowledged his mistake.