nishio.iconYou are an expert researcher on the Japanese language. The Japanese word ā€œunderstandingā€ seems to be translated as agreement or understanding in English. However, I feel that ā€œagreementā€ is ā€œagreementā€ and ā€œunderstandingā€ is ā€œunderstandingā€ and both mean different things from ā€œunderstandingā€. Please explain the difference in nuance between the three words ā€œagreement,ā€ ā€œagreement,ā€ and ā€œunderstandingā€ in Japanese.

gpt.iconIndeed, the Japanese words ā€œagree,ā€ ā€œconsensus,ā€ and ā€œunderstandingā€ may refer to similar concepts, but each has different nuances.

  • The word ā€œagreeā€ refers to the state in which, after receiving an explanation or information, one is convinced of its content, i.e., one feels ā€œI see then. It is often felt inwardly as ā€œI see, I am convinced.
  • An ā€œagreementā€ is when two or more people agree on the same idea, opinion, or plan. This is primarily an extroverted action, often accompanied by an explicit ā€œunderstandingā€ or ā€œagreement.
  • Comprehension refers to a knowledgeable grasp of something, or a deeper grasp of the meaning of something. In this state, there is a deepened awareness of the information or situation, but not necessarily a conviction or agreement. The English words ā€œagreementā€ and ā€œunderstandingā€ are often translated as ā€œagreementā€ and ā€œunderstanding,ā€ respectively, but there may not be a complete word for ā€œunderstandingā€ in English that expresses the nuances of the word. It is necessary to choose the appropriate expression for each context.

nishio.iconI see, AGREEMENT is supposed to be interaction of multiple people, while CONFIRMATION and UNDERSTANDING are not person-to-person interactions. Focus on the difference between these two.

gpt.iconIndeed, ā€œconvictionā€ and ā€œunderstandingā€ are terms that refer primarily to changes within the individual, but the differences include the following.

  • Convincing: This word refers to the state of being ā€œconvincedā€ of some specific information or situation, i.e., the state of having an ā€œaha, so thatā€™s what it isā€ in oneā€™s mind. This state is often achieved when newly acquired information matches existing knowledge or values, or vice versa, when question or uncomfortable feeling is resolved.
  • Understanding: This is simply knowing information or grasping a complex concept or situation. However, having ā€œunderstandingā€ does not necessarily mean having ā€œconviction. For example, we may understand someoneā€™s position or way of thinking, but not necessarily agree with it. Conviction is often accompanied by a kind of ā€œcomfortā€ or ā€œrelief,ā€ a sense of inner conviction. In contrast, ā€œunderstandingā€ is a more neutral state, itself independent of any particular emotion or evaluation.

nishio.iconMake an example sentence that highlights the difference between the two. gpt.iconOf course, below are typical example sentences in which each word is used.

  • understanding
    • His explanation finally made sense to me.ā€
    • In this statement, it refers to the state of feeling in oneā€™s mind after receiving an explanation, ā€œI see, thatā€™s what you meant.
  • understanding
    • I understand his position, but Iā€™m not convinced by it.ā€
    • In this sentence, the person expresses a state of being able to understand the other personā€™s position or opinion, but not being inwardly convinced of it.

In the example of ā€œunderstanding,ā€ the mind is calmed by some specific information or explanation. On the other hand, the example of ā€œunderstandingā€ indicates that the other personā€™s position or idea can be understood in the head, but the emotion or evaluation (in this case, conviction) of it does not necessarily match.

nishio.iconThe convinced side understands and it fits with my thoughts and values and itā€™s comfortable. gpt.iconYes, that is correct. Convincingā€ refers to the state of being at peace with understanding and having that information or situation match oneā€™s own thoughts and values, or having oneā€™s doubts or discomfort resolved. The result is often a feeling of ā€œcomfortā€ or ā€œrelief.

relevance - The nuanced differences between ā€œautonomy,ā€ ā€œself-discipline,ā€ and ā€œinitiative.ā€ - Difference in nuance between ā€œvoluntary,ā€ ā€œindependent,ā€ and ā€œproactive.ā€

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