Translation guide
The English word "compromise" covers several distinct ideas: reaching a mutual agreement through concessions, weakening one's principles, and exposing something to risk. This guide breaks down these meanings and shows how to express them naturally in Japanese.
Reaching an agreement where both sides give up something
The most direct equivalent for mutual compromise. Used as a noun or with する to mean 'to compromise'. Often implies a pragmatic settlement.
両者は価格で妥協した。
Both parties compromised on the price.
妥協案を探しましょう。
Let's look for a compromise plan.
Refers to reaching a mutual understanding or compromise, often in relationships or negotiations. Commonly used in 折り合いをつける (to reach a compromise).
彼らは折り合いをつけて問題を解決した。
They reached a compromise and solved the problem.
Literally 'walking toward each other', meaning mutual concession or meeting halfway. Often used in diplomatic or business contexts.
歩み寄りの姿勢が大切です。
A willingness to compromise is important.
Concession, giving in. Often used when one side yields. Can be part of a compromise but emphasizes the act of conceding.
彼は譲歩して条件を受け入れた。
He compromised and accepted the conditions.
Weakening or abandoning one's standards, values, or safety
Also used for compromising principles. Often carries a negative nuance of selling out.
彼は自分の信念に妥協した。
He compromised his beliefs.
Literally 'to bend one's beliefs', meaning to compromise one's principles.
彼は信念を曲げなかった。
He didn't compromise his principles.
A more literary expression meaning to compromise one's integrity or principles.
Putting something at risk, such as security, health, or reputation
To endanger or jeopardize. Used for compromising safety, security, or position.
その行動は国家安全保障を危うくする。
That action compromises national security.
To damage, harm, or impair. Used when compromising quality, reputation, or health.
品質を損なうことなくコストを削減する。
Reduce costs without compromising quality.
To expose to danger. Stronger than 危うくする, often used for physical safety.
その情報漏洩は多くの人を危険にさらした。
The data leak compromised many people's safety.
The agreement or settlement reached
The point of compromise; the agreed middle ground.
両者の妥協点を見つけるのは難しかった。
Finding a compromise between the two was difficult.
A compromise plan or eclectic proposal, blending different ideas.
While 妥協 can mean 'compromise' in the sense of conceding, it does not mean 'to endanger'. For that meaning, use 危うくする or 損なう.
妥協 implies mutual concession, while 譲歩 emphasizes one-sided yielding. In many contexts, 妥協 is the safer choice for 'compromise'.
He didn't want to succeed by compromising his principles.
折衷案が採用された。
A compromise plan was adopted.