What is the difference between "決裁" and "決済"?

"決裁" means "final approval" (C1), whereas "決済" represents "settlement (of accounts)" (C2).

Kanji Homophone Battle

Pronunciation Trap: "けっさい (kessai)"

Same sound, completely different Kanji! Choose the right conceptual writing.

Kanji Option A

けっさい (kessai)

C1 / CEFR

Kanji Option B

けっさい (kessai)

C2 / CEFR

In Japanese, many words share the exact same pronunciation "けっさい (kessai)" but are written with different Kanji, changing the meaning entirely.

決裁 (Level: C1): Translates to "final approval" and is used when Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus..
決済 (Level: C2): Maps to "settlement (of accounts)" and carries the nuance of Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus..

Mixing these up can easily result in unnatural writing. Look at the bilingual context cards below to master the conceptual boundaries!

Bilingual Context for "決裁"

私は決裁に興味があります。

I am interested in final approval.

Bilingual Context for "決済"

私は決済に興味があります。

I am interested in settlement (of accounts).

Which Kanji perfectly fits this blank space?

Which Kanji perfectly fits the blank: "私は＿＿＿に興味があります。" (Meaning: "I am interested in final approval.")

🎉 Correct Answer!

Correct! "決裁" is used for "final approval" in the context: "I am interested in final approval.".