Translation guide
The English word 'acknowledgment' covers a range of meanings from admitting facts and expressing gratitude to recognizing someone's presence or work. This guide breaks down these uses and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
To admit that something is true or to accept a situation, often reluctantly.
The most common verb for acknowledging a fact, mistake, or truth. Can be used in many contexts.
彼は自分の間違いを認めた。
He acknowledged his mistake.
To recognize or be aware of a fact or situation. Often used in formal or analytical contexts.
問題の深刻さを認識する必要がある。
We need to acknowledge the seriousness of the problem.
To confess or admit something personal or secret, often with emotional weight.
彼は罪を告白した。
He acknowledged his guilt.
To show appreciation for help, support, or contribution.
The standard verb for expressing gratitude. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
ご支援に感謝します。
I acknowledge your support.
To show that you have noticed someone, often with a nod, wave, or brief greeting.
To confirm that you have received something, such as a letter, email, or payment.
A clear phrase meaning 'to inform that you have received'. Used in business and daily life.
メールを受け取ったことを知らせてください。
Please acknowledge receipt of the email.
A section in a book, thesis, or report where the author thanks contributors.
The standard term for 'acknowledgments' in a thesis or book. Used as a heading.
The English word 'acknowledgment' is broad. Directly translating it as '承認' (しょうにん) often sounds like official approval, not simple acknowledgment. Choose the appropriate Japanese word based on context.
認める (みとめる) is used for admitting facts or mistakes, often with a sense of acceptance. 認識する (にんしきする) is more about cognitive recognition or awareness, and is common in formal discussions.
Literally 'to say thanks'. A more casual way to express acknowledgment of someone's help.
助けてくれてお礼を言いたい。
I want to acknowledge your help.
A formal expression used in official speeches or written statements to express gratitude.
ここに深く謝意を表します。
I would like to express my deep acknowledgment.
To call out or speak to someone to acknowledge their presence. More casual.
通りすがりに声をかけた。
I acknowledged him as I passed by.
To ignore; used in negative form to express acknowledgment. Often used in phrases like '無視できない' (cannot ignore/acknowledge).
This word means 'ignore', so use with care. The negative form implies acknowledgment.
彼の存在を無視できなかった。
I couldn't not acknowledge his presence.
To confirm or verify. Often used in business contexts to acknowledge orders or requests.
注文を確認しました。
We acknowledge your order.
To issue a receipt, which serves as formal acknowledgment of payment.
お支払いに対して領収書を発行します。
We will issue a receipt to acknowledge your payment.
I wrote the acknowledgments at the end of my thesis.
To express acknowledgments. Used in formal speeches or writing.
多くの方々に謝辞を述べたい。
I would like to acknowledge many people.