Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Compromise" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "compromise", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
妥協
だきょう (dakyō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
折り合い
おりあい (ori-ai)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "compromise" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 妥協 and 折り合い.
In Japanese, 妥協 (だきょう (dakyō)) is typically associated with "compromise; giving in" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to compromising, giving in, or meeting someone halfway. Can be used with する as a verb.
On the other hand, 折り合い (おりあい (ori-ai)) maps to "compromise, agreement, settlement" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to reaching an understanding or settlement, especially after a period of disagreement or negotiation. Often used with verbs like 「つく」. A literal translation of "compromise" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "妥協"
お互いの意見が対立したため、何度も話し合って_______点を見つけました。
Since their opinions conflicted, they talked many times and found a compromise point.
Bilingual Context for "折り合い"
両者の間でなかなか折り合いがつかない。
The two parties are having difficulty reaching a compromise.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "お互いの意見が対立したため、何度も話し合って_______点を見つけました。" (Meaning: "Since their opinions conflicted, they talked many times and found a compromise point.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "妥協" fits here because it means "compromise; giving in" in the context of: "Since their opinions conflicted, they talked many times and found a compromise point.". "折り合い" represents "compromise, agreement, settlement".