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.
The two countries began talks to make peace.
To conclude peace, make peace (formal, often used for treaties).
We need to make peace to end the war.
To make peace, become reconciled (often used in historical or literary contexts).
The two hostile nations made peace.
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.
I had a fight with my friend, but we 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.
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.
To settle a dispute, make peace (literally 'clap hands', from the gesture of agreement). Somewhat old-fashioned or used in business/legal settlements.
To accept something difficult or come to terms with it emotionally.
Also used for accepting a situation or finding inner peace. See above.
He made peace with his past.
To accept, come to terms with. A general verb for accepting a reality.
To sort out one's feelings, to make emotional peace with something.
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.
The children made peace quickly.
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.
They made peace with each other and are living peacefully.
Both parties agreed to make peace.
She made peace with the outcome and moved on.
I took time to make peace with my feelings.