Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Agreement" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "agreement", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
同意
どうい (dōi)
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 同意 and 同感.
In Japanese, 同意 (どうい (dōi)) is typically associated with "agreement, consent" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A noun meaning 'agreement' or 'consent'. Often used with 'する'.
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 "同意"
会議の参加者全員がその提案に同意しました。
All participants in the meeting agreed to the proposal.
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: "会議の参加者全員がその提案に ＿＿＿ しました。" (Meaning: "All participants in the meeting agreed to the proposal.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "同意" fits here because it means "agreement, consent" in the context of: "All participants in the meeting agreed to the proposal.". "同感" represents "agreement; same feeling; concurrence; sympathy".