Translation and Meaning of: 受け入れる - ukeireru

If you've ever wondered how to say "accept" or "receive" in Japanese naturally, the word 受け入れる (うけいれる) is one of the most useful in everyday vocabulary. In this article, we will explore its etymology, meaning, and practical use, along with tips for memorizing this compound verb that appears in both formal and informal conversations. Here at Suki Nihongo, you can also find the correct writing in kanji, examples of ready-made sentences to add to Anki, and curiosities that make learning more fun.

Many students confuse 受け入れる with similar terms, but its unique construction — combining the kanjis for "receive" (受ける) and "enter" (入れる) — reveals interesting nuances. Does this word have a connection to traditional Japanese rituals? How is it used in professional contexts? Let's uncover all of this without delay!

Etymology and construction of 受け入れる

The verb 受け入れる is formed by the union of two kanji with distinct histories. The first, 受 (うけ), carries the meaning of "to receive" or "to accept," found in words like 受付 (reception) or 受験 (to take a test). On the other hand, 入れる (いれる) means "to put inside" or "to allow entry," as in 入場 (entry into a place). When combined, these ideograms create the broad meaning of "to accept something or someone, bringing them into your physical or emotional space.".

Interestingly, this construction reflects a Japanese cultural aspect: the idea that truly accepting means integrating what comes from outside. It's no coincidence that the verb frequently appears in contexts like immigration (移民を受け入れる) or the adoption of new technologies. Unlike the simple 受ける, which can be more passive, 受け入れる suggests a deliberate act of assimilation.

Everyday use and typical situations

In daily life, the Japanese use 受け入れる in situations ranging from the trivial to the deeply emotional. In a restaurant, you might hear 新しいメンバーを受け入れます (we accept new members) referring to a loyalty program. In dramas, it's common to hear phrases like 彼の過ちを受け入れた (I accepted his mistakes) carrying a greater sentimental weight. The flexibility of this verb allows it to be used for both concrete objects and abstract concepts.

In the corporate environment, the word takes on specific contours. Companies announce 留学生を受け入れる制度 (system to accept foreign students), while reports may mention 新しい方針を受け入れる (accept new guidelines). A common mistake among learners is to use 受け取る in these situations — while this refers to physically receiving (like a package), 受け入れる implies agreement or active assimilation.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

To anchor 受け入れる in your memory, imagine a vivid scene: you holding a box (受ける) and placing it inside your home (入れる). This mental image helps you remember that it's not just about receiving, but about bringing something into your space. Another technique is to associate the verb with the song "Ue o Muite Arukō" — even though the title has no direct relation, the similar sound creates an auditory anchor.

A little-known curiosity: in regional dialects of Japan, especially in Kansai, 受け入れる sometimes appears abbreviated as うけんねん in informal situations. And if you're an anime fan, you might have heard the more dramatic version 受け入れられない！ (I can't accept it!) in scenes of emotional conflict. These variations show how the same word can take on different tones depending on the context.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 受け入れる

• 受け入れます - Formal affirmative form
• 受け入れません - Formal negative form
• 受け入れました - Formal past form
• 受け入れませんでした - Formal negative past form
• 受け入れよう - Formal conditional form

Synonyms and similar words

• 受け容れる (Ukeireru) - Accept; welcome, in the sense of accepting something with an open mind.
• 受け止める (Uketomeru) - Accept; deal with, often used in the context of taking action in response to something.
• 受け入れる (Ukeireru) - Accept; receive, often used in the sense of accepting a proposal or a feeling.
• 受け付ける (Ukezukeru) - Accept; welcome, usually used in contexts of receiving information or registrations.

受け入れる

Romaji: ukeireru
Kana: うけいれる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: accept; receive

Meaning in English: to accept;to receive

Definition: Approve favorably the ideas and opinions of others.

Example Sentences - (受け入れる) ukeireru

See below some example sentences:

要請を受け入れる。

Yōsei o ukeireru

Accept a request.

Accept requests.

• 要請 - request, application
• を - object particle
• 受け入れる - accept, receive

敗北を受け入れることが勝利への第一歩です。

Haiboku wo ukeireru koto ga shouri e no daiichiho desu

Accepting defeat is the first step to victory.

Accepting defeat is the first step to victory.

• 敗北 (haiboku) - defeat
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 受け入れる (ukeireru) - accept, receive
• こと (koto) - noun maker
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 勝利 (shouri) - victory
• への (he no) - Direction particle
• 第一歩 (daiippou) - First step
• です (desu) - verb to be, to stay

私たちは新しいアイデアを受け入れる準備ができています。

Watashitachi wa atarashii aidea o ukeire suru junbi ga dekite imasu

We are ready to accept new ideas.

We are ready to accept new ideas.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 新しい - adjective "new"
• アイデア - noun "idea"
• を - direct object particle
• 受け入れる - verb "to accept, to receive"
• 準備 - noun "preparation, readiness"
• が - subject particle
• できています - verb "to be ready, to be prepared" conjugated in the present progressive

申出を受け入れます。

Shinshutsu wo ukeiremasu

I will accept the proposal.

Accept the order.

• 申出 - means "offer" or "proposal".
• を - particle that indicates the object of the sentence.
• 受け入れます - means "to accept" or "to receive".