Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Consent" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "consent", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
了承
りょうしょう (ryōshō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
諾否
だくひ (dakuhi)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "consent" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 了承 and 諾否.
In Japanese, 了承 (りょうしょう (ryōshō)) is typically associated with "consent; approval; understanding; acknowledgment; agreement" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to giving consent, approval, understanding, or acknowledgment to a request, rule, or change. Often used as 了承する.
On the other hand, 諾否 (だくひ (dakuhi)) maps to "consent or refusal, yes or no" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents 承諾するか否か、許可するかしないか、という両方の選択肢をまとめて指す硬い言葉。ビジネスシーンなどで使われることが多いです。. A literal translation of "consent" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "了承"
仕様の一部変更について、クライアントから正式な_______を得ることができました。
Regarding the partial change of specifications, we were able to obtain formal consent from the client.
Bilingual Context for "諾否"
出席の諾否をご返信いただけますでしょうか。
Could you please reply with your consent or refusal to attend?
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "仕様の一部変更について、クライアントから正式な_______を得ることができました。" (Meaning: "Regarding the partial change of specifications, we were able to obtain formal consent from the client.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "了承" fits here because it means "consent; approval; understanding; acknowledgment; agreement" in the context of: "Regarding the partial change of specifications, we were able to obtain formal consent from the client.". "諾否" represents "consent or refusal, yes or no".