Japanese word

了解

Pronunciation

Romajiryōkai

Meaning

  • nounconsent

Example

本人の了解を得ました。hon nin no ryō kai o e ma shi ta

We got the person's consent.

Illustration for 了解 (consent)

More examples

計画の変更には全員の了解が必要です。kei kaku no hen kō ni wa zen in no ryō kai ga hitsu yō de su

Everyone's consent is needed for the change in the plan.

Core concept

It marks that a person understands another person's wishes or situation and accepts them as a basis for action.

Common phrases

  • 了解を得るryō kai o u ru

    obtain consent

  • 了解を求めるryō kai o moto me ru

    seek consent

  • 了解を取るryō kai o to ru

    get consent

Similar words

同意dōi: An expression of agreement with a view, plan, or request.
承諾shōdaku: A formal decision to accept an offer, request, or proposal.
合意gōi: A shared decision reached through discussion or negotiation.
許可kyoka: An official or personal decision that lets an action take place.

Definition in Japanese

相手の意向や事情を理解し、それでよいと認めること。ai te no i kō ya ji jō o ri kai shi so re de yo i to mito me ru ko to

Word origin

了解 (ryōkai) combines 了 (ryō, "completion") and 解 (kai, "understanding"), expressing complete understanding and acceptance.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 了解 (ryōkai) can acknowledge a request without sounding as formal as explicit permission, so context shows whether it means "understood" or "agreed".

Other meanings

  • understandingnoun
  • agreementnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 了解するryōkaisuruconsentverb

Word lists with this word