Translation and Meaning of: 賛成 - sansei

The Japanese word 賛成 [さんせい] is a common term in everyday life and formal discussions, representing a simple yet essential concept for communication. If you are learning Japanese or are curious about the language, understanding its meaning, use, and cultural context can be extremely helpful. In this article, we will explore everything from the basic translation to situations in which Japanese people use this expression in their daily lives.

In addition to uncovering the meaning of 賛成, we will also see how it appears in real conversations and why it is so common in work environments and debates. If you have ever used the Suki Nihongo dictionary to research Japanese , you know that details like pronunciation and kanji are essential. Here, we go beyond the superficial definition, diving into nuances that only those who study the language notice.

The meaning and translation of 賛成 are "agreement" or "approval."

賛成 [さんせい] is translated as "agree" or "approval." It is a word formed by two kanji: 賛 (, praise) and 成 (conclusion, achievement). Together, they convey the idea of endorsing an opinion or proposal. Unlike a simple "yes," 賛成 carries a more active tone, indicating that the person not only accepts but also s the idea in question.

In formal contexts, such as business meetings or political discussions, hearing 賛成 is a sign that a proposal has been well received. However, in informal conversations among friends, it can appear in a more casual manner, as a response to suggestions for outings or plans. The flexibility of this term makes it indispensable for anyone who wants to communicate naturally in Japanese.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japan, where group harmony (和 [わ]) is valued, expressing agreement clearly is an important part of communication. 賛成 often arises in situations that require consensus, such as team decisions or voting. Data from the National Institute of the Japanese Language shows that this word is among the 2,000 most used in the language, appearing regularly in newspapers, debates, and even in animes.

Interestingly, in hierarchical environments, such as traditional companies, saying 賛成 without reservations can be seen as a sign of respect for authority. On the other hand, in academic discussions or more informal circles, Japanese people often qualify their agreement, using expressions like 条件付きで賛成です (I agree with reservations). This variation reveals how the social context shapes the use of the word.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to reinforce 賛成 is to associate its kanji with concrete situations. The radical 貝 (shell, an ancient symbol of value) in 賛 refers to the idea of "giving value" to something, while 成 evokes "becoming a reality." Together, they create the mental image of "transforming an idea into something valid," which aids in ing its meaning of active .

To practice, try using 賛成 in responses to direct questions, such as "このプランに賛成ですか？" (Do you agree with this plan?). Avoid confusing it with 同意[どうい], which also means agreement but focuses more on mutual consent. Noticing these subtle differences will make your Japanese sound more natural and accurate, whether in travel or conversations with natives.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 賛同 (sandon) - Approval or agreement with an idea or opinion.
• 同意 (doui) - Agreement or consent, generally in relation to a situation or proposal.
• 承認 (shounin) - Recognition or official approval of something.
• 認可 (ninka) - Authorization or formal approval, often used in official contexts.
• 肯定 (koutei) - Affirmative or positive confirmation of a fact or opinion.
• 賛成意見 (sansei iken) - Favorable opinion or approval of a certain point of view or proposal.