How to say "approve" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 許すゆるすgodan verb, transitive verbApproves in the sense of permitting or consenting to something. As the common word for permit, allow, and forgive, it is the natural choice when approving simply means letting a request go ahead.
- 可とするかとするexpression, suru verbTo approve of something in the sense of judging it acceptable and being in favor of it. It frames approval as a decision that a proposal or idea is satisfactory, rather than permission.
- suru verbA loanword borrowed directly from English 'approve' and covering the same general sense, but it is seldom the word you want; other Japanese verbs express approval more naturally.
- 賛するさんするsuru verb (irregular)Approves by agreeing with or endorsing something, such as a proposal or opinion; the emphasis is on assent and support rather than on granting permission.
- 肯ううけがうgodan verb, transitive verbApproving in the sense of accepting or consenting to something, with an added nuance of affirmation; a dated term, however, so it is seldom the word you actually want.
Use 「許す」 when approving means allowing or consenting, 「可とする」 when it means judging something acceptable or being in favor, and 「賛する」 when it means assenting to or endorsing something; 「アプルーブ」 and the dated 「肯う」 are seldom needed.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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