Chat with GPT4 on difference between Nattoku and Commit

Summary

"納得"(Nattoku) is about reaching a state of understanding or acceptance, rather than committing to something. It's a nuanced concept that involves both intellectual agreement and emotional satisfaction, particularly relevant in collective decision-making processes like in a democracy.

Maybe it's closer to logistically and emotionally acceptable XD

I like these phrases from GPT4:

collective understanding / 普遍的理解

Chat

You are a linguist, knowledgeable in Japanese, English, and Mandarin. I am trying to convey the concept of '納得' overseas. It is used in a phrase "Democratic process is a process that generates as much 納得(Nattoku) feelings as possible among a wide range of people." A friend from Taiwan asked if '納得' means 'commit.' I think it's different, but I want to explain it clearly. Please help me.

The concept of "納得" (nattoku) in Japanese carries a nuanced meaning that doesn't directly translate into a single word in English or Mandarin. It's important to understand the cultural and linguistic context to convey its essence accurately.

Meaning in Japanese: In Japanese, "納得" refers to a state of understanding or acceptance, especially after thorough consideration or explanation. It's a feeling of satisfaction or agreement, often used when someone understands the reasoning behind a decision or situation and accepts it, even if they might not completely agree with it.

It's good explanation. someone understands the reasoning behind a decision and accepts it, even if they might not completely agree with it

Comparison with "Commit": The term "commit" in English, or its Mandarin equivalent (承诺 chengnuo or 承担 chengdan), implies a promise, undertaking, or obligation. This is different from "納得," which is more about reaching a state of acceptance or understanding rather than making a commitment.

Yes. Nattoku is not relevant to making a promise.

Conveying in English: To convey "納得" in English, especially in the context of the democratic process, you could use phrases like "generating a sense of understanding or acceptance among people" or "reaching a state of general agreement or satisfaction." It's about the process leading to a collective understanding or acceptance, not just making a decision.

Nice phrase collective understanding

Conveying in Mandarin: In Mandarin, a close equivalent might be 理解 (lijie), which means "to understand," or 接受 (jieshou), meaning "to accept." However, these words might not fully capture the depth of "納得." You could use a phrase like 达到一个普遍的理解和接受状态 (dadao yige pubian de lijie he jieshou zhuangtai), which translates to "reaching a widespread state of understanding and acceptance."

Nice phrases, Japanese can understand it 普遍的理解

接受状态 may be 受容された状態 in Japanese.

Cultural Context: It's also worth noting that "納得" reflects a cultural emphasis on harmony and consensus in Japanese society. In the context of a democratic process, it implies striving for a decision that is not only logically sound but also emotionally acceptable to the majority.

Yes, It looks me an important profile of the concept of Nattoku emotionally acceptable to the majority

In summary, "納得" is about reaching a state of understanding or acceptance, rather than committing to something. It's a nuanced concept that involves both intellectual agreement and emotional satisfaction, particularly relevant in collective decision-making processes like in a democracy.