Translation guide
A shared understanding that is not explicitly stated, often conveyed through context, implication, or unspoken agreement.
When two or more people share an understanding without having discussed it directly.
The most direct and common translation for 'tacit understanding' in the sense of an unspoken agreement or consensus.
その件については、暗黙の了解がある。
There is a tacit understanding about that matter.
A more formal version, often used in business or legal contexts to refer to an item of tacit understanding.
これは暗黙の了解事項として扱われている。
This is treated as a matter of tacit understanding.
Literally 'understanding that goes without saying'. Emphasizes that the matter is so obvious it need not be spoken.
それは言わずもがなの了解だ。
That's a tacit understanding that goes without saying.
When people share background knowledge or assumptions that are not explicitly stated.
Refers to an implicit premise or assumption that everyone understands without being told.
この議論には暗黙の前提がある。
This discussion has a tacit understanding as its premise.
A term from knowledge management meaning 'tacit knowledge' — knowledge that is difficult to transfer by writing it down or verbalizing it.
職人の技には暗黙知が多く含まれている。
A craftsman's skill contains a lot of tacit understanding.
A rule or norm that everyone follows without it being formally stated.
A common way to say 'unwritten rule' or 'tacit rule'.
この職場には暗黙のルールがたくさんある。
There are many tacit understandings in this workplace.
Literally 'unwritten law'. Used for tacit rules in society or organizations.
それは会社の不文律だ。
That's a tacit understanding in the company.
Understanding conveyed through gestures, atmosphere, or subtle cues rather than words.
Literally 'read the air'. The ability to grasp a tacit understanding or unspoken mood in a situation.
彼は空気を読むのが上手だ。
He is good at picking up on tacit understanding.
An idiom for a perfectly synchronized, tacit understanding between two people, like a well-practiced duo.
長年のコンビで阿吽の呼吸が生まれた。
Years as a duo created a tacit understanding between them.
暗黙の了解 is a general term for any unspoken agreement or understanding, often used in formal or group contexts. 以心伝心 implies a deeper, almost telepathic connection between individuals, often in close relationships or artistic collaboration.
空気を読む is a very common phrase in modern Japanese for the social skill of sensing the unspoken mood or expectations. It is often used in the negative form 空気が読めない (KY) to describe someone who lacks this ability.
A four-character idiom meaning 'heart-to-heart communication' or 'tacit understanding' without words. Often used in close relationships.
彼とは以心伝心の仲だ。
He and I have a tacit understanding.