Translation guide
The concept of approval in Japanese is expressed through various words and phrases depending on context: formal permission, personal endorsement, social acceptance, or official authorization. The most common and versatile term is 承認 (shōnin), but other options like 賛成 (sansei) for agreement, 許可 (kyoka) for permission, and 認可 (ninka) for official approval are used in specific situations.
To express that something has been formally accepted or authorized by an authority, organization, or system.
The most general and widely used term for formal approval, acceptance, or recognition. Used in business, legal, and administrative contexts.
申請が承認されました。
The application was approved.
上司の承認を得る必要があります。
You need to get your boss's approval.
Official approval or authorization, typically from a government agency or regulatory body. More formal than 承認 and implies legal permission.
新薬の製造が認可された。
The manufacture of the new drug was approved.
Permission or approval, often used when someone in authority allows an action. Can be used in both formal and everyday contexts.
ここで写真を撮るには許可が必要です。
You need permission to take photos here.
To show that you agree with or support a proposal, suggestion, or course of action.
Agreement or approval of an idea or plan. Commonly used in discussions, meetings, and voting.
その提案に賛成です。
I approve of that proposal. / I agree with that proposal.
賛成の方は手を挙げてください。
Those in favor, please raise your hands.
Consent or agreement, often implying a meeting of minds. Slightly more formal than 賛成 and used in legal or contractual contexts as well.
Casual expression of approval, similar to 'sounds good' or 'like' on social media. Very common in informal conversation.
To express that someone or something is well-regarded or accepted by a group or society.
Support or approval from the public or a group. Often used in political or social contexts.
その政策は国民の支持を得ている。
The policy has the approval of the people.
Reputation or public estimation. When used positively, it implies approval or popularity.
Acceptance or reception, often used for ideas, cultures, or new concepts. Implies approval through adoption.
To ask for someone's approval or go-ahead before doing something.
To obtain permission/approval from someone. A standard phrase in both formal and informal settings.
部長の許可を得てから始めてください。
Please start after getting the manager's approval.
To seek approval, often in formal or business contexts. Implies a request for official sign-off.
取締役会の承認を求めなければならない。
We must seek the board's approval.
To verbally or non-verbally show that you approve of someone's actions or achievements.
To praise or compliment. The most common way to express approval of someone's effort or result.
先生が生徒の作品を褒めた。
The teacher praised the student's work.
Well done! A direct, informal expression of approval for a job well done.
試験に合格したんだって？よくやった！
I heard you passed the exam? Well done!
承認 (shōnin) is the most general term for approval, often used in business for approving documents, plans, or requests. 許可 (kyoka) is permission, typically from a person in authority, and can be used in daily life (e.g., parental permission). 認可 (ninka) is official authorization by a government or regulatory body, and is more formal and legalistic.
In casual conversation, directly translating 'approval' as 承認 or 賛成 can sound stiff. Instead, use phrases like いいね (ii ne) or それでいいよ (sore de ii yo) to express casual approval.
この書類に承認をお願いします。
I need your approval on this document.
その計画に賛成ですか？
Do you approve of the plan?
プロジェクトが承認された。
The project got the green light.
He agreed with my opinion.
Want to go to a movie tomorrow? Sounds good!
あのレストランは評判がいい。
That restaurant has a good reputation (is well-approved of).
新しい制度は社員にすぐに受け入れられた。
The new system was quickly accepted (approved) by the employees.