Translation guide
The English phrase "making allowances" refers to considering special circumstances, being lenient, or making concessions. This guide covers how to express these ideas naturally in Japanese.
To express that you are taking into account someone's difficulties or special circumstances and therefore being more forgiving or flexible.
Literally 'to look with big eyes', meaning to overlook or be lenient about something. Commonly used when forgiving minor mistakes or misbehavior.
初めての失敗だから大目に見てあげよう。
Since it's your first mistake, I'll make allowances for it.
Means 'to take into consideration'. More formal and can be used in various contexts, not just for leniency.
彼の事情を考慮して、締め切りを延ばしました。
Taking his circumstances into consideration, we extended the deadline.
Formal term meaning 'to take into consideration and make allowances', often used in legal or official contexts.
裁判官は被告の家庭環境を酌量した。
The judge made allowances for the defendant's family background.
To express that you are willing to adjust your demands or expectations to reach an agreement.
Means 'to concede' or 'to make a concession'. Used when you give in on a point during negotiations or discussions.
お互いに譲歩して、合意に達した。
We made allowances for each other and reached an agreement.
Literally 'to attach a fold', meaning to compromise or find a middle ground. Often used in personal relationships.
彼とは折り合いをつけるのが難しい。
It's hard to make allowances with him.
To express that you are setting aside time, money, or resources for a specific purpose or unexpected event.
Means 'to allow for a margin' or 'to plan with extra room'. Used when budgeting time or money.
渋滞を考えて、時間に余裕を見て出発した。
Making allowances for traffic, we left with extra time.
Means 'to anticipate' or 'to allow for' something in planning. Often used in business contexts.
物価上昇を見越して予算を組む。
We make allowances for inflation when budgeting.
The English phrase 'making allowances' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it literally as 手当てを作る (てあてをつくる) would be incorrect. Instead, choose the appropriate expression based on the intended meaning.