Translation and Meaning of: 承諾 - shoudaku

The Japanese word 承諾 (しょうだく, shōdaku) is an essential term for those who wish to understand formal and everyday communication in Japan. Its meaning goes beyond a simple translation, encompassing cultural and social nuances that reflect important values of Japanese society. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in different contexts, and why it is so relevant for language students.

In addition to uncovering the meaning of 承諾, we will discuss its origin, how it's written in kanji, and practical examples of use. If you've ever wondered how to express consent or approval naturally in Japanese, this guide will help you master this vocabulary with confidence. Follow along to discover everything about this fascinating word!

Meaning and usage of 承諾 (しょうだく)

承諾 (しょうだく) is translated as "consent," "approval," or "acceptance." It is used when someone formally agrees to a request, proposal, or condition. Unlike a simple "yes," this word carries a more official tone, often appearing in contracts, business documents, or situations that require explicit confirmation.

In everyday life, you may hear 承諾 in contexts such as work authorizations, legal permissions, or even in more serious interactions. For example, a boss may ask for 承諾 from a subordinate before implementing a significant change. The term also appears in phrases like 承諾を得る (obtain consent) or 承諾する (give consent), demonstrating its versatility in different grammatical constructions.

Origin and writing in kanji

The composition of 承諾 in kanji reveals part of its deep meaning. The first character, 承 (しょう), carries the idea of "receiving" or "inheriting," while 諾 (だく) means "agreeing" or "promising." Together, they form a word that represents the formal acceptance of something that has been proposed or requested.

It's interesting to note that 諾, by itself, already conveys the notion of agreement, but when combined with 承, the term gains greater weight. This combination is not random – it reflects the importance that Japanese culture places on consensus and social harmony. Therefore, writing in kanji goes beyond phonetics, encapsulating deep cultural values.

Cultural context and importance

In Japan, the act of giving or receiving 承諾 is closely linked to the concept of 和 (wa), which represents social harmony. When someone asks for 承諾, it is not merely a formality, but a ritual that maintains balance in relationships. This explains why the word is so common in professional and bureaucratic environments, where consensus is valued.

It is worth noting that 承諾 is not used casually among friends or in informal situations. Its use in inappropriate contexts can sound strange or even pretentious. This sensitivity to linguistic register is typical of Japanese, where word choice must always consider the relationship between the speakers and the formality of the situation.

Tips for memorization

An effective way to remember 承諾 is to associate its meaning with the first kanji, 承, which appears in other words related to receiving or accepting, such as 承認 (official approval). The second kanji, 諾, can be linked to 快諾 (cheerful consent), helping to reinforce its sense of agreement.

Another strategy is to practice with real sentences taken from Japanese articles or documents. By seeing 承諾 in context, it becomes easier to remember not only its meaning but also the situations in which it is appropriate to use it. Write down authentic examples and review them regularly to consolidate your learning.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 了承 (Ryōshō) - Acceptance, consent.
• 許可 (Kyoka) - Permission, authorization.
• 承知 (Shōchi) - Understanding, knowledge about something.
• 同意 (Dōi) - Agreement, alignment with something.
• 承諾する (Shōdaku suru) - Give consent, agree.
• 認める (Mitomeru) - Recognize, admit.
• 承る (Utaru) - Receive, accept (formal).
• 受け入れる (Ukeireru) - Accept, welcome.
• 許す (Yurusu) - Forgive, allow.
• 聴く (Kiku) - Hear, listen.
• 納得する (Nattoku suru) - Fully understand, agree after understanding.
• 了解する (Ryōkai suru) - Understand, recognize a situation.
• 承認する (Shōnin suru) - Approve, formally acknowledge.
• 認可する (Ninka suru) - Grant formal permission, approval.
• 許可する (Kyoka suru) - Approve, grant permission.

承諾

Romaji: shoudaku
Kana: しょうだく
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: consent; acquiescence; agreement

Meaning in English: consent;acquiescence;agreement

Definition: To show agreement or consent with the other person's offer or suggestion.

Example Sentences - (承諾) shoudaku

See below some example sentences:

私はあなたの承諾を得たいです。

Watashi wa anata no shoudaku o etai desu

I would like to get your approval.

I want to get your consent.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• あなた (anata) - Japanese personal pronoun meaning "you"
• の (no) - Japanese particle indicating possession or relationship between two things
• 承諾 (shoudaku) - substantivo japanese que significa "consentimento" ou "aprovação"
• を (wo) - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 得たい (etaitai) - verbo japanese que significa "querer obter"
• です (desu) - verbo auxiliar japanese que indica a forma educada ou respeitosa da frase