Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Agreement" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "agreement", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
同調
どうちょう (dōchō)
N2 / 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 同調 and 取り決め.
In Japanese, 同調 (どうちょう (dōchō)) is typically associated with "agreement, conformity, synchronization" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to aligning one's thoughts, opinions, or actions with others or a group. Can be positive.
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 "同調"
彼は会議で皆の意見に同調した。
He conformed to everyone's opinion in the meeting.
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: "彼は会議で皆の意見に ＿＿＿ した。" (Meaning: "He conformed to everyone's opinion in the meeting.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "同調" fits here because it means "agreement, conformity, synchronization" in the context of: "He conformed to everyone's opinion in the meeting.". "取り決め" represents "agreement; arrangement; settlement; pact".