Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Approval" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "approval", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
承認
しょうにん (shōnin)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
賛同
さんどう (sandō)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "approval" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 承認 and 賛同.
In Japanese, 承認 (しょうにん (shōnin)) is typically associated with "approval; recognition; acknowledgement; consent" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 公式な場面や、他者から許可や同意を得る際に使われる言葉です。動詞「承認する」や名詞「承認を得る」などの形で使われます。.
On the other hand, 賛同 (さんどう (sandō)) maps to "approval, endorsement, support, agreement" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents The act of agreeing with, approving of, or supporting an idea, opinion, plan, or proposal. It implies a conscious decision to back something, often in a group or public context.. A literal translation of "approval" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "承認"
新しいプロジェクトの計画は、部長に承認されました。
The new project plan was approved by the manager.
Bilingual Context for "賛同"
彼の提案に賛同する者が多かった。
Many people agreed with his proposal.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "新しいプロジェクトの計画は、部長に ＿＿＿ されました。" (Meaning: "The new project plan was approved by the manager.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "承認" fits here because it means "approval; recognition; acknowledgement; consent" in the context of: "The new project plan was approved by the manager.". "賛同" represents "approval, endorsement, support, agreement".