Translation guide
The English verb 'agree' covers several distinct meanings: sharing an opinion, giving consent, reaching a mutual decision, and matching or being consistent. Japanese uses different expressions for each, and direct translation often sounds unnatural.
Express that you have the same opinion as someone else.
Literally 'same feeling'. A natural, common way to say 'I agree' when someone expresses an opinion.
「この映画、最高だね」「同感です。」
"This movie is great, isn't it?" "I agree."
Literally 'I think so'. A polite, standard way to agree with an opinion.
「彼は有能だと思いますか？」「はい、そう思います。」
"Do you think he's capable?" "Yes, I agree (I think so)."
Means 'I agree' in the sense of supporting a proposal or idea. Slightly more formal than 同感です.
「週4日勤務にすべきだ」「賛成です。」
"We should switch to a four-day work week." "I agree."
Casual 'yeah' used among close friends or family. Only for very informal situations.
「これ、おいしいね」「うん。」
"This is delicious, isn't it?" "Yeah."
Say yes to a request, suggestion, or plan.
Formal 'I understand and agree/consent'. Used in business when accepting a request or instruction.
「この書類を明日までに提出してください」「承知しました。」
"Please submit this document by tomorrow." "Understood (I agree to do that)."
Two or more parties come to an agreement after discussion.
Formal 'to reach an agreement'. Used in business, legal, or diplomatic contexts.
両社は価格について合意した。
The two companies agreed on the price.
Two things are the same or compatible (facts, stories, numbers).
To match, coincide, be in agreement (of data, opinions, stories).
彼の説明は事実と一致しない。
His explanation doesn't agree with the facts.
Food, climate, etc. is good for someone; opposite of 'disagree with'.
Literally 'to match one's body'. Used for food, environment, etc.
この食べ物は私の体に合わない。
This food doesn't agree with me.
Saying あなたに同意します is grammatically correct but sounds stiff and unnatural in conversation. Use 同感です or そう思います instead.
「この計画はリスクが高い」「同感です。」
"This plan is risky." "I agree."
同感 is for sharing a feeling or opinion. 賛成 is for supporting a proposal or course of action. You can 同感 with someone's frustration but 賛成 with their suggestion to quit.
Casual 'Sure, that's fine'. Used to agree to a suggestion or request among peers.
「明日、映画に行かない？」「いいですよ。」
"Want to go to a movie tomorrow?" "Sure, sounds good."
Polite 'I don't mind' / 'It's fine with me'. Used to give permission or agree to a course of action.
「窓を開けてもいいですか？」「ええ、構いません。」
"May I open the window?" "Yes, that's fine (I don't mind)."
Loanword 'OK' used casually in Japanese, similar to English.
「今夜、飲みに行く？」「OK。」
"Going out for drinks tonight?" "OK."
Literally 'the discussion comes together'. A natural way to say an agreement was reached through discussion.
やっと話がまとまった。
We finally reached an agreement.
To compromise and reach an agreement. Often used when both sides make concessions.
条件で折り合うことができた。
We were able to agree on the terms (by compromising).
To match, fit, be correct. Used for numbers, schedules, etc.
計算が合わない。
The figures don't agree (don't add up).
To not contradict; to be consistent with. More formal/literary.
彼の証言は他の証拠と矛盾しない。
His testimony agrees with the other evidence.
To suit one's nature or personality. Used for jobs, lifestyles.
今の仕事は私の性に合っている。
My current job agrees with me (suits my nature).
I agree with his anger, but I can't agree with his proposal to quit.
I agree with his anger, but I can't agree with his proposal to quit.