Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Agreement" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "agreement", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
合意
ごうい (gōi)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
同感
どうかん (dōkan)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "agreement" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 合意 and 同感.
In Japanese, 合意 (ごうい (gōi)) is typically associated with "agreement; consent; mutual understanding" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to reaching a mutual agreement, consent, or consensus on a condition or proposal. Can be used with する as a verb.
On the other hand, 同感 (どうかん (dōkan)) maps to "agreement; same feeling; concurrence; sympathy" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to having the same feeling, opinion, agreement, concurrence, or deep sympathy with someone's opinion or situation. Often used as 同感である. A literal translation of "agreement" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "合意"
両国は、新しい貿易協定の内容について正式に_______しました。
The two countries formally agreed on the contents of the new trade agreement.
Bilingual Context for "同感"
彼の環境保護に対する熱い意見には、私もまったくの_______です。
I am in complete agreement with his passionate opinion on environmental protection.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "両国は、新しい貿易協定の内容について正式に_______しました。" (Meaning: "The two countries formally agreed on the contents of the new trade agreement.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "合意" fits here because it means "agreement; consent; mutual understanding" in the context of: "The two countries formally agreed on the contents of the new trade agreement.". "同感" represents "agreement; same feeling; concurrence; sympathy".