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
約定
やくてい (yakutei)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "agreement" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 同感 and 約定.
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, 約定 (やくてい (yakutei)) maps to "agreement, contract, stipulation (often formal, especially in finance/law)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents A formal term for a promise or agreement, often in legal or financial contexts.. 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 "約定"
双方の約定に基づき、取引が行われた。
The transaction was carried out based on the agreement between both parties.
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.". "約定" represents "agreement, contract, stipulation (often formal, especially in finance/law)".