条件を呑む

• Reading: じょうけんをのむ
• Romaji: jouken wo nomu
• Kanji breakdown: 条 (jō) — article, clause; 件 (ken) — matter, case; 呑 (don/no) — swallow, drink
• Pronunciation: /dʑoː.keɴ.o.no.mɯ/

Meaning

To accept the conditions; to swallow the terms. To agree to demands or terms, often reluctantly.

An expression using the Group 1 (godan) verb 呑む (to swallow). The metaphor of swallowing conditions implies accepting something that may be hard to digest — often unfavourable or difficult terms. Common in business negotiations, legal contexts, and any situation involving compromise or concession.

Examples

1. 厳しい条件だったが、呑むしかなかった。 The terms were tough, but we had no choice but to accept them.
2. 相手の条件を呑んで契約を結んだ。 We swallowed the other party's terms and signed the contract.
3. 全ての条件を呑むのは難しいと伝えた。 I told them it would be difficult to accept all the terms.

Usage Guide

Context: business, negotiations, legal

Tone: reluctant

Origin & History

Uses the verb 呑む (swallow) metaphorically — accepting conditions is like swallowing something whole, whether pleasant or not. The kanji 呑 emphasises the act of gulping down.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional