肯定する

• Reading: こうていする
• Romaji: koutei suru
• Kanji breakdown: 肯 (kō) — consent, agree; 定 (tei) — determine, fix
• Pronunciation: /koː.teː.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To affirm; to approve; to endorse. Used to express agreement with or validation of a statement, idea, or proposal.

A する verb formed from the noun 肯定 (affirmation). The opposite of 否定する (to deny). Common in academic, philosophical, and business contexts. The related expression 自己肯定感 (sense of self-affirmation/self-esteem) is widely used in modern Japanese.

Examples

1. 彼女は彼の提案を肯定した。 She affirmed his proposal.
2. 自分の気持ちを肯定することが大切だ。 It's important to affirm your own feelings.
3. みんなが彼の意見を肯定しているわけではない。 Not everyone agrees with his opinion.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, philosophy, business

Tone: formal

Origin & History

Compound of 肯 (kō, to consent/agree) and 定 (tei, fix/determine). Literally 'to determine as agreeable' — affirming the validity of something.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated