Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Conformity" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "conformity", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
同調
どうちょう (dōchō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
適合
てきごう (tekigou)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "conformity" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 同調 and 適合.
In Japanese, 同調 (どうちょう (dōchō)) is typically associated with "conformity; alignment; sympathy; agreeing with others" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to aligning one's opinion or attitude with others, conforming to a group, or tuning in. Often used with する as a verb.
On the other hand, 適合 (てきごう (tekigou)) maps to "conformity, adaptation, compatibility, suitability" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies fitting well with standards, requirements, or a particular situation. Often used with ~する or ~性.. A literal translation of "conformity" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "同調"
周囲の意見にただ機械的に_______するだけでは、新しい価値は生まれません。
Just mechanically conforming to surrounding opinions will not create new value.
Bilingual Context for "適合"
この製品は国際的な安全基準に適合しています。
This product conforms to international safety standards.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "周囲の意見にただ機械的に_______するだけでは、新しい価値は生まれません。" (Meaning: "Just mechanically conforming to surrounding opinions will not create new value.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "同調" fits here because it means "conformity; alignment; sympathy; agreeing with others" in the context of: "Just mechanically conforming to surrounding opinions will not create new value.". "適合" represents "conformity, adaptation, compatibility, suitability".