Translation guide
The English verb "tolerate" covers a range from enduring something unpleasant to allowing something you disagree with. Japanese uses different expressions depending on whether you are putting up with a hardship, permitting an action, or showing forbearance.
この騒音には我慢できない。
I can't tolerate this noise.
不正は許されません。
We do not tolerate cheating.
Expressing that you bear a difficult, painful, or annoying situation without complaining.
The most common and versatile word for enduring something unpleasant, such as pain, noise, or a difficult person. Often implies active self-restraint.
彼の態度にはもう我慢できない。
I can't tolerate his attitude anymore.
I tolerated the pain and kept working.
Emphasizes withstanding hardship, physical pain, or harsh conditions. Often used in more serious or literary contexts.
彼は孤独に耐えられなかった。
He couldn't tolerate the loneliness.
Implies patient endurance over a long period, often with a sense of perseverance. More old-fashioned or formal than 我慢する.
辛抱強く待つしかない。
We just have to tolerate it and wait patiently.
Expressing that you accept behavior, opinions, or situations that you do not like or approve of.
Means to permit, forgive, or allow. In the sense of 'tolerate', it implies not taking action against something you disapprove of.
彼の無礼を許すわけにはいかない。
I cannot tolerate his rudeness.
このような行為は許されない。
Such behavior cannot be tolerated.
Formal term meaning to accept or condone, often used in official or serious contexts. Closer to 'tolerate' as a policy.
政府は汚職を容認しない。
The government does not tolerate corruption.
Means to tacitly permit or turn a blind eye to something. Implies unofficial tolerance.
会社はその慣行を黙認していた。
The company tolerated the practice without officially approving it.
Expressing a tolerant attitude toward people, cultures, or ideas.
Describes a generous, accepting attitude. Often used for tolerance of diversity or differing opinions.
異なる意見に対して寛容であるべきだ。
We should be tolerant of different opinions.
Means to accept or embrace. In the context of tolerance, it implies welcoming differences rather than just enduring them.
多様性を受け入れる社会。
A society that tolerates diversity.
我慢する is used for everyday annoyances and self-restraint (e.g., holding back anger, enduring noise). 耐える is stronger and often used for physical or emotional hardship (e.g., withstanding pain, cold, loneliness). 耐える can sound dramatic in casual contexts.
電車の遅れを我慢する。
Tolerate train delays.
厳しい寒さに耐える。
Tolerate severe cold.
許す means 'permit/forgive', not 'endure'. Saying 痛みを許す would be unnatural; use 我慢する or 耐える instead.