Translation guide
The English word "concession" covers several distinct meanings: admitting a point in an argument, granting a right or privilege, a commercial reduction or discount, and a physical space or stand. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each situation.
Expressing that you accept or acknowledge a point made by someone else, often while still maintaining your overall position.
A common way to concede a point, meaning 'certainly' or 'indeed'. Often used at the beginning of a sentence to acknowledge the other person's argument before presenting a counterpoint.
確かに、君の言う通りだ。
You're certainly right about that.
確かにそれは問題だが、解決策はある。
That is certainly a problem, but there is a solution.
Used to show understanding and acceptance of what someone said, like 'I see' or 'that makes sense'. It implies a concession that the other person's point is valid.
なるほど、そういう考え方もあるね。
I see, that's one way to think about it.
Literally 'that is so', used to concede a point, like 'you have a point there' or 'that's true'.
それはそうだね。でも、別の方法もあるよ。
That's true. But there is another way.
The direct translation for 'concession' in the sense of yielding in an argument. It is a formal, somewhat stiff word, often used in writing or formal speech.
交渉では、互いに譲歩が必要だ。
In negotiations, mutual concessions are necessary.
Referring to the act of giving someone a right, privilege, or permission, often in a formal or official context.
Means 'permission' or 'license'. Commonly used when someone is granted the right to do something.
彼は営業の許可を得た。
He obtained a concession to operate a business.
Means 'privilege' or 'special right'. Used when a concession is an exclusive right granted to someone.
Often used for official licenses or permits, such as a driver's license or a license to sell alcohol.
A formal term for 'concession' in the sense of granting rights, often used in legal or diplomatic contexts.
政府は鉱山の採掘権を譲許した。
The government granted a concession for mining rights.
Referring to a price reduction, discount, or special offer, often given to certain groups like students or seniors.
The most common word for 'discount'. Can be used in many contexts.
学生割引はありますか？
Is there a student concession?
この店はいつも割引をしている。
This store always offers concessions.
Specifically a price reduction, often used in bargaining or sales contexts.
Often used to mean a free extra or a discount as a 'service' to customers. Can imply a concession.
Referring to a booth, stand, or kiosk where goods are sold or services provided, often within a larger venue.
A small shop or stand, such as in a station, stadium, or theater.
映画館の売店でポップコーンを買った。
I bought popcorn at the movie theater concession stand.
Borrowed from English 'stand', used for concession stands or kiosks.
A stall or booth set up temporarily, often at festivals or events. Can be used for a concession stand.
イベント会場には多くの出店が出ていた。
There were many concession stands at the event venue.
The English word 'concession' is highly polysemous. Using the direct Japanese translation 譲歩 (jōho) in all contexts will sound unnatural. Choose the appropriate word based on the specific meaning you intend.
その会社は輸入の特権を持っている。
The company holds a concession for imports.
They acquired a concession to sell alcohol.
That store gave me a concession on the price.
これ、サービスしてもらえますか？
Can I get a concession on this?
球場のスタンドでビールを売っている。
They sell beer at the stadium concession stands.