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.
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.
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'.
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.
I approve of his proposal.
Do you approve of the plan?
Casual and common way to say 'I think it's good' or 'I approve'. Softens direct approval.
I approve of that idea. (casual)
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.
I approve of (recognize) his efforts.
The boss approved of the plan.
The committee approved the budget.
Means 'to permit/allow'. Used when giving permission for something, often by an authority.
The city approved (permitted) the event.
Formal term for official approval or licensing, often by a government agency.
The new drug was approved.
I approve of him (as a person).
Means 'to like' or 'be pleased with'. Can imply approval of someone, but more about personal preference.
My mother approves of my boyfriend. (lit. likes him)