Translation guide
To think something is good, acceptable, or right; to officially accept or agree to something.
Expressing personal approval or a positive opinion about an action, idea, or person.
Literally 'to agree/support'. Used when you approve of a plan, idea, or action. Often used with に.
彼の提案に賛成します。
I approve of his proposal.
その計画に賛成ですか？
Do you approve of the plan?
Formal approval by an authority, such as a boss, committee, or government.
Standard term for official approval, authorization, or ratification. Used in business and legal contexts.
上司がその計画を承認しました。
The boss approved of the plan.
Expressing that you think someone is a good or acceptable person, often in terms of behavior or character.
A natural way to say you approve of someone as a person. Literally 'think (someone) is a good person'.
彼のことはいい人だと思います。
I approve of him (as a person).
English 'approve of' often becomes a verb phrase in Japanese, but there is no single direct equivalent. Choose based on context: 賛成する for agreeing with ideas, 承認する for official approval, and いいと思う for casual positive judgment.
Casual and common way to say 'I think it's good' or 'I approve'. Softens direct approval.
そのアイデア、いいと思うよ。
I approve of that idea. (casual)
彼のやり方をいいと思います。
I approve of his way of doing things.
Means 'to acknowledge/recognize' and can imply approval, especially of someone's ability or achievement. More formal.
彼の努力を認めます。
I approve of (recognize) his efforts.
The committee approved the budget.
Means 'to permit/allow'. Used when giving permission for something, often by an authority.
市がイベントを許可しました。
The city approved (permitted) the event.
Formal term for official approval or licensing, often by a government agency.
新薬が認可された。
The new drug was approved.
Means 'to like' or 'be pleased with'. Can imply approval of someone, but more about personal preference.
母は私の彼氏を気に入っている。
My mother approves of my boyfriend. (lit. likes him)