Translation guide
The English word "reconciliation" covers several related ideas: restoring a personal relationship after a conflict, making financial accounts agree, and accepting an unpleasant situation. This guide focuses on the most common meaning for learners—mending a relationship—and also covers the other uses.
To express the act of two or more people resolving a disagreement and becoming friendly again.
The most direct and common word for reconciliation between people or groups. Used in both casual and formal contexts.
彼らはついに和解した。
They finally reconciled.
長年の争いの後、両国は和解に達した。
After years of conflict, the two countries reached a reconciliation.
A very common, slightly more casual phrase for making up after a quarrel, especially between friends, couples, or family members.
喧嘩したけど、すぐに仲直りした。
We had a fight, but we made up right away.
子供たちは自分たちで仲直りした。
The children reconciled on their own.
To mediate or act as a go-between to help others reconcile. Useful when describing a third party's role.
上司が二人の仲を取り持った。
The boss mediated between the two of them.
Refers to reconciliation or harmony, often in a social or political context. More formal and less common in daily conversation.
政府は社会の融和を促進する政策を導入した。
The government introduced policies to promote social reconciliation.
To express the process of ensuring two sets of financial records are consistent and accurate.
The standard term for reconciling accounts, bank statements, or data. Used in business and accounting.
毎月、銀行の取引明細と帳簿を照合している。
Every month, I reconcile the bank statement with the ledger.
Literally 'to check against each other.' Used for comparing two sets of data or documents to find discrepancies.
売上伝票と在庫リストを突き合わせて、違いがないか確認した。
I reconciled the sales slips with the inventory list to check for discrepancies.
To express coming to terms with something undesirable or resigning oneself to it.
To compromise or reach a settlement; also used for accepting a situation emotionally. Implies finding a middle ground.
彼は現実と折り合いをつけるのに時間がかかった。
It took him time to reconcile himself to reality.
To be able to give up or accept something; to find closure. Often used when one finally accepts a loss or failure.
やっと諦めがついた。
I've finally come to terms with it.
A general verb meaning 'to accept.' Can be used for accepting a difficult truth or situation.
和解 (wakai) is more formal and can be used for serious disputes, legal settlements, or international relations. 仲直り (nakanaori) is everyday language for personal make-ups. Use 仲直り for friends and family; use 和解 for formal or public contexts.
裁判の末、和解が成立した。
After the trial, a settlement was reached.
ごめんね。仲直りしよう。
I'm sorry. Let's make up.
Avoid directly translating 'reconcile' as 和解する in all contexts. For financial reconciliation, use 照合する. For accepting a situation, use phrases like 折り合いをつける or 受け入れる.
彼女は自分の失敗を受け入れた。
She reconciled herself to her mistake.