Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Acceptance" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "acceptance", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
承諾
しょうだく (shoudaku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
受諾
じゅだく (judaku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "acceptance" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 承諾 and 受諾.
In Japanese, 承諾 (しょうだく (shoudaku)) is typically associated with "acceptance; consent; agreement; approval" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A formal term, often used in business or official contexts. It means to accept a request, proposal, or condition, implying granting permission or agreeing to something. It can be used as a noun.
On the other hand, 受諾 (じゅだく (judaku)) maps to "acceptance, consent, approval" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A more formal term for acceptance, often used in official contexts for accepting proposals, offers, or requests. Similar to 受理. A literal translation of "acceptance" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "承諾"
弊社からの提案をご承諾いただき、ありがとうございます。
Thank you for accepting our company's proposal.
Bilingual Context for "受諾"
彼の提案は理事会によって受諾された。
His proposal was accepted by the board of directors.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "弊社からの提案をご ＿＿＿ いただき、ありがとうございます。" (Meaning: "Thank you for accepting our company's proposal.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "承諾" fits here because it means "acceptance; consent; agreement; approval" in the context of: "Thank you for accepting our company's proposal.". "受諾" represents "acceptance, consent, approval".