Translation guide
A formal or symbolic endorsement indicating that something meets a certain standard or has been officially accepted.
To express that a product, service, or action has been formally approved by an authority or organization.
To indicate that someone personally approves of or recommends something, often in a casual or social context.
To refer to the physical stamp or seal itself that signifies approval.
Both mean 'seal of approval', but お墨付き emphasizes the authority or official nature of the endorsement, while 太鼓判を押す emphasizes the confidence and guarantee behind the endorsement. 太鼓判 is more colloquial and vivid.
この店はミシュランのお墨付きだ。
This restaurant has the Michelin seal of approval.
彼が太鼓判を押すなら大丈夫だ。
If he gives it his seal of approval, it's fine.
Avoid directly translating 'seal of approval' as 承認の印 or similar, as it sounds unnatural. Use the idiomatic phrases above instead.
Literally 'with a sumi ink stamp', this is the most common and natural way to say 'seal of approval' in Japanese. It implies official or authoritative endorsement.
この製品は専門家のお墨付きです。
This product has the seal of approval from experts.
Literally 'to stamp a large drum-shaped seal', this idiomatic phrase means to give a strong guarantee or endorsement. Often used when someone confidently vouches for something.
彼が太鼓判を押したレストランだから、間違いないよ。
He gave this restaurant his seal of approval, so it's definitely good.
Formal term for official approval or authorization, often used in legal, governmental, or business contexts. It is a noun and can be used with する.
この薬はまだ厚生労働省の認可を受けていません。
This drug has not yet received the seal of approval from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
General term for approval or recognition. It can be used in many contexts, from official to personal, and is often seen in business settings.
プロジェクトは部長の承認を得ました。
The project got the department head's seal of approval.
Means 'recommendation'. It is the most natural way to express personal approval or endorsement in everyday conversation.
これは私のおすすめのカフェです。
This is my seal of approval café (my recommended café).
Slang term meaning 'top recommendation' or 'favorite'. It implies strong personal endorsement, often used in entertainment or pop culture.
この曲は私のイチオシです。
This song has my seal of approval (it's my top pick).
Literally 'approval seal', this refers to the physical stamp used to indicate approval in documents.
書類に承認印を押してください。
Please stamp the seal of approval on the document.