How to say "agree" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 受け入れるうけいれるichidan verb, transitive verbHere 'agree' is 'agree to': accepting a proposal, suggestion, or offer that is made to you and taking it in. The emphasis is on acceptance of what is put forward.
- 頷くうなずくgodan verb, intransitive verbCovers 'agree' only as a physical gesture: to nod or bow one's head in assent. It describes agreement shown by nodding, not agreement stated in words.
- 取り決めるとりきめるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers 'agree' as settling or deciding something between parties — agreeing on terms or arrangements, or entering into a contract. Typical when two sides fix the details of an agreement.
- 同じるどうじるichidan verb, intransitive verbCovers 'agree' in the plain sense of concurring — holding the same opinion as another person. Suited to simple agreement of views, as when you share someone's judgment.
- 申し合わせるもうしあわせるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers 'agree (on)': parties mutually arranging or prearranging a matter, agreeing together in advance. Typical when members settle on a rule, plan, or course of action among themselves.
Use 「受け入れる」 when agreeing means accepting a proposal or offer, 「頷く」 for nodding assent, 「取り決める」 for settling terms between parties, 「申し合わせる」 for agreeing on a matter by mutual arrangement, and 「同じる」 for concurring.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 受け入れるうけいれるto accept
- 頷くうなずくto nod
- 取り決めるとりきめるto agree
- 同じるどうじるto agree
- 申し合わせるもうしあわせるto arrange
- 同ずるどうずるto agree
- 諾ううべなうto agree (to a proposal, request, etc.)
- 認め合うみとめあうto mutually recognize
- 首を縦に振るくびをたてにふるto nod one's head
- 賛するさんするto approve
- 肯んじるがえんじるto consent
- うなずけるto (be able to) agree (with)
- 揃うそろうto be equal
- 聞こえるきこえるto accept (someone's words)
- 収まるおさまるto be satisfied (e.g. with an answer)
See also
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