Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Agreement" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "agreement", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
同感
どうかん (dōkan)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
取り決め
とりきめ (torikime)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "agreement" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 同感 and 取り決め.
In Japanese, 同感 (どうかん (dōkan)) is typically associated with "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.
On the other hand, 取り決め (とりきめ (torikime)) maps to "agreement; arrangement; settlement; pact" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to a decision or rule agreed upon by multiple parties. Can be formal or informal. 複数人が合意した決定や約束事を指します。. A literal translation of "agreement" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "取り決め"
会議で今後の業務に関する取り決めをした。
We made an arrangement regarding future work at the meeting.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "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。" (Meaning: "I am in complete agreement with his passionate opinion on environmental protection.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "同感" fits here because it means "agreement; same feeling; concurrence; sympathy" in the context of: "I am in complete agreement with his passionate opinion on environmental protection.". "取り決め" represents "agreement; arrangement; settlement; pact".