Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Accept" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "accept", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
受け入れる
うけいれる (ukeireru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
甘受
かんじゅ (kanju)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "accept" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 受け入れる and 甘受.
In Japanese, 受け入れる (うけいれる (ukeireru)) is typically associated with "to accept, to receive, to agree to" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies welcoming or agreeing to something, such as an idea, a person, a condition, or a situation..
On the other hand, 甘受 (かんじゅ (kanju)) maps to "to accept (unpleasant things) patiently; to endure" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Implies accepting something difficult, unpleasant, or disadvantageous without resistance, often because it is seen as inevitable or necessary. It conveys a sense of passive acceptance.. A literal translation of "accept" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "受け入れる"
彼女は新しい環境をすぐに受け入れた。
She quickly accepted the new environment.
Bilingual Context for "甘受"
彼は批判を甘受し、自身の行動を改めた。
He patiently accepted the criticism and revised his actions.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女は新しい環境をすぐに受け入れた。" (Meaning: "She quickly accepted the new environment.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "受け入れる" fits here because it means "to accept, to receive, to agree to" in the context of: "She quickly accepted the new environment.". "甘受" represents "to accept (unpleasant things) patiently; to endure".