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.
I approve of his proposal.
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.
その計画に賛成ですか？
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)