Translation guide
How to express the idea of making peace in Japanese, from ending a conflict to reconciling with someone.
To bring an end to a war, conflict, or dispute, often between groups or nations.
Literally 'build peace'. A common phrase for establishing peace, often used in formal or diplomatic contexts.
両国は平和を築くために話し合いを始めた。
The two countries began talks to make peace.
To conclude peace, make peace (formal, often used for treaties).
To resolve a personal disagreement or argument and restore a friendly relationship.
The most common way to say 'make up' or 'reconcile' after a fight. Used for personal relationships.
友達と喧嘩したけど、仲直りした。
I had a fight with my friend, but we made peace.
To accept something difficult or come to terms with it emotionally.
Also used for accepting a situation or finding inner peace. See above.
彼は自分の過去と折り合いをつけた。
He made peace with his past.
仲直りする is the everyday word for making up after a personal fight. 和解する is more formal and can be used for legal or serious disputes. For inner peace, use 折り合いをつける or 受け入れる.
子供たちはすぐに仲直りした。
The children made peace quickly.
裁判の前に和解が成立した。
A settlement (peace) was reached before the trial.
Do not translate 'make peace' literally as 平和を作る (へいわをつくる). While understandable, it is not idiomatic. Use the phrases above depending on context.
We need to make peace to end the war.
To make peace, become reconciled (often used in historical or literary contexts).
敵対していた二つの国が和睦した。
The two hostile nations made peace.
I want to make peace soon.
To reconcile, settle a dispute. Slightly more formal than 仲直りする, can be used for both personal and legal contexts.
彼らは長い間の争いを和解した。
They made peace after a long dispute.
To reach a compromise, to make peace by finding a middle ground. Often used when both sides adjust their positions.
お互いに折り合いをつけて、平和に暮らしている。
They made peace with each other and are living peacefully.
To settle a dispute, make peace (literally 'clap hands', from the gesture of agreement). Somewhat old-fashioned or used in business/legal settlements.
両者は手打ちにすることで合意した。
Both parties agreed to make peace.
To accept, come to terms with. A general verb for accepting a reality.
彼女は結果を受け入れて、前に進んだ。
She made peace with the outcome and moved on.
To sort out one's feelings, to make emotional peace with something.
時間をかけて気持ちの整理をつけた。
I took time to make peace with my feelings.