Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Accept" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "accept", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
甘受
かんじゅ (kanju)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
受け止める
うけとめる (uketomeru)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "accept" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 甘受 and 受け止める.
In Japanese, 甘受 (かんじゅ (kanju)) is typically associated with "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..
On the other hand, 受け止める (うけとめる (uketomeru)) maps to "to accept, to catch" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "accept" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "受け止める"
毎日、日本語を練習するために受け止める。
Every day, I accept, to catch to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は批判を ＿＿＿ し、自身の行動を改めた。" (Meaning: "He patiently accepted the criticism and revised his actions.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "甘受" fits here because it means "to accept (unpleasant things) patiently; to endure" in the context of: "He patiently accepted the criticism and revised his actions.". "受け止める" represents "to accept, to catch".