Translation guide
Expressing the act of yielding, surrendering, or submitting to pressure, persuasion, or a stronger force. This guide covers common Japanese ways to say 'give in' depending on the nuance.
To stop resisting and agree to something after being persuaded or pressured.
Literally 'to bend/break', but commonly used to mean giving in to someone's argument or request. Implies you were initially opposed but eventually yielded.
彼の説得に折れた。
I gave in to his persuasion.
最初は反対だったが、最後には折れた。
I was against it at first, but I gave in at the end.
To be worn down and give in after a long struggle or persistent pressure. Emphasizes exhaustion of patience.
子供の泣き声に根負けして、お菓子を買ってあげた。
I gave in to my child's crying and bought them candy.
To be overborne or steamrolled into giving in. Passive form of 押し切る (to push through despite opposition).
彼の強引な意見に押し切られてしまった。
I was steamrolled by his forceful opinion and gave in.
To yield or submit, often under pressure or threat. More formal and literary.
彼は脅迫に屈しなかった。
He did not give in to threats.
To admit defeat or stop fighting/competing.
To surrender or give up in a contest, argument, or struggle. Common in everyday speech.
あまりの難しさに降参した。
I gave in because it was too difficult.
議論で彼に降参した。
I gave in to him in the argument.
Literally 'to raise a white flag', meaning to surrender or admit defeat. Idiomatic.
もう疲れた。白旗を上げるよ。
I'm tired. I give in.
Loanword from English 'give up'. Casual and commonly used in games or informal situations.
このパズルは無理だ。ギブアップする。
This puzzle is impossible. I give in.
To stop resisting an urge or temptation.
Literally 'to lose to temptation'. The most natural way to say you gave in to a desire.
ダイエット中なのに、ケーキの誘惑に負けた。
Even though I'm on a diet, I gave in to the temptation of cake.
Pattern meaning 'to end up doing something unintentionally', often used when giving in to an impulse.
つい買ってしまった。
I gave in and bought it.
By itself can mean 'to give in' to temptation or weakness, often with に marking the temptation.
To buckle, cave in, or give way physically.
English 'give in' is often translated as 与える (ataeru, to give) + 中に (naka ni, in), but this is incorrect. Use the expressions above depending on context.
折れる implies yielding after initial resistance, often in a discussion or negotiation. 降参する is more about admitting defeat or surrendering, like in a game or argument.
I gave in to drowsiness and took a nap.