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.
"This movie is great, isn't it?" "I agree."
Literally 'I think so'. A polite, standard way to agree with an opinion.
Means 'I agree' in the sense of supporting a proposal or idea. Slightly more formal than 同感です.
Casual 'yeah' used among close friends or family. Only for very informal situations.
Say yes to a request, suggestion, or plan.
Formal 'I understand and agree/consent'. Used in business when accepting a request or instruction.
Two or more parties come to an agreement after discussion.
Formal 'to reach an agreement'. Used in business, legal, or diplomatic contexts.
Two things are the same or compatible (facts, stories, numbers).
To match, coincide, be in agreement (of data, opinions, stories).
Food, climate, etc. is good for someone; opposite of 'disagree with'.
Literally 'to match one's body'. Used for food, environment, etc.
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.
"This plan is risky." "I agree."
"Do you think he's capable?" "Yes, I agree (I think so)."
"We should switch to a four-day work week." "I agree."
"This is delicious, isn't it?" "Yeah."
"Please submit this document by tomorrow." "Understood (I agree to do that)."
Casual 'Sure, that's fine'. Used to agree to a suggestion or request among peers.
"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.
"May I open the window?" "Yes, that's fine (I don't mind)."
Loanword 'OK' used casually in Japanese, similar to English.
"Going out for drinks tonight?" "OK."
The two companies agreed on the price.
Literally 'the discussion comes together'. A natural way to say an agreement was reached through discussion.
We finally reached an agreement.
To compromise and reach an agreement. Often used when both sides make concessions.
We were able to agree on the terms (by compromising).
His explanation doesn't agree with the facts.
To match, fit, be correct. Used for numbers, schedules, etc.
The figures don't agree (don't add up).
To not contradict; to be consistent with. More formal/literary.
His testimony agrees with the other evidence.
This food doesn't agree with me.
To suit one's nature or personality. Used for jobs, lifestyles.
My current job agrees with me (suits my nature).
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.
I agree with his anger, but I can't agree with his proposal to quit.