Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Adoption" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "adoption", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
採用
さいよう (saiyou)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
採択
さいたく (saitaku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "adoption" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 採用 and 採択.
In Japanese, 採用 (さいよう (saiyou)) is typically associated with "adoption; employment; recruitment; hiring" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Used when a company hires new employees.
On the other hand, 採択 (さいたく (saitaku)) maps to "adoption (of a resolution, proposal, policy)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To formally accept and decide to implement a proposal, resolution, or policy, often after a vote. 議案や方針などを審議した後、正式に採用すること。. A literal translation of "adoption" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "採用"
弊社では毎年新卒者を採用しています。
Our company hires new graduates every year.
Bilingual Context for "採択"
国連総会で新しい人権決議が採択された。
A new human rights resolution was adopted at the UN General Assembly.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "弊社では毎年新卒者を ＿＿＿ しています。" (Meaning: "Our company hires new graduates every year.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "採用" fits here because it means "adoption; employment; recruitment; hiring" in the context of: "Our company hires new graduates every year.". "採択" represents "adoption (of a resolution, proposal, policy)".