JLPT N1

合意

ごうい

agreement, consent, mutual understanding

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

合

Radical: —

意

Radical: —

Meaning and Usage

"合意" (ごうい) means agreement or mutual consent, often used in formal or legal contexts. It implies that all parties involved have reached a shared understanding or decision.

Common Contexts

This word is frequently used in business, legal contracts, negotiations, and discussions where mutual consent is essential.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 合意に達する: to reach an agreement
  • 合意なしに: without consent
  • 合意形成: consensus building

Nuances

Using "合意" suggests a formal or deliberate agreement rather than a casual or one-sided decision. It is more formal than words like "同意" (agreement) and emphasizes mutual understanding.

Learner Tips

Be careful not to confuse "合意" with "同意"; while both mean agreement, "合意" often involves negotiation and mutual decision-making, whereas "同意" can be simpler consent or approval.

Example Sentences

りょうしゃはけいやくのじょうけんについてごういにたっした。

Both parties reached an agreement on the terms of the contract.

ごういなしにけいやくをへんこうすることはできません。

You cannot change the contract without consent.

ごういけいせいにはじかんがかかることがおおい。

Forming a consensus often takes time.