Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Approval" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "approval", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
容認
ようにん (yōnin)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
是認
ぜにん (zenin)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "approval" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 容認 and 是認.
In Japanese, 容認 (ようにん (yōnin)) is typically associated with "approval; tolerance; permission; sanctioning; allowing with conditions" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to approval, tolerance, permission, or allowing something with conditions.
On the other hand, 是認 (ぜにん (zenin)) maps to "approval, affirmation, acknowledge (as right)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To accept something as right, proper, or justifiable. Often used in formal contexts regarding policies, actions, or views. It's a stronger form of approval than 容認.. A literal translation of "approval" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "容認"
現在の深刻な財政赤字を解消するためには、一時的な消費税率の引き上げも_______せざるを得ないというのが政府の見解です。
To resolve the current serious fiscal deficit, the government's view is that they cannot help but tolerate a temporary consumption tax rate hike.
Bilingual Context for "是認"
彼の提案は、全会一致で是認された。
His proposal was unanimously approved.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "現在の深刻な財政赤字を解消するためには、一時的な消費税率の引き上げも_______せざるを得ないというのが政府の見解です。" (Meaning: "To resolve the current serious fiscal deficit, the government's view is that they cannot help but tolerate a temporary consumption tax rate hike.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "容認" fits here because it means "approval; tolerance; permission; sanctioning; allowing with conditions" in the context of: "To resolve the current serious fiscal deficit, the government's view is that they cannot help but tolerate a temporary consumption tax rate hike.". "是認" represents "approval, affirmation, acknowledge (as right)".