黙認(もくにん)

黙認(もくにん) describes silently accepting something, often questionable behavior, without explicit approval.

Word type

• Noun
• Also used as する verb: 黙認(もくにん)する (to tacitly approve)

Writing

• 黙(もく) (silence)
• 認(にん) (recognize, approve)
• Literally: silent recognition/approval

Connotation

• Usually negative or ethically questionable
• Implies not taking action against something wrong
• Carries responsibility without explicit approval

Common collocations

• 黙認(もくにん)する (to tacitly approve)
• 黙認(もくにん)される (to be tacitly permitted)
• 事実上(じじつじょう)の黙認(もくにん) (de facto approval)
• 違法行為(いほうこうい)を黙認(もくにん)する (tacitly allow illegal acts)

Usage

• Workplace issues (harassment, overtime)
• Government/organizational misconduct
• Parenting (allowing rule-breaking)
• International relations (turning a blind eye)
• Different from explicit permission
• Implies knowing but choosing not to act
• Often used critically

Related words

• 承認(しょうにん) (approval - explicit)
• 看過(かんか) (overlooking - more passive)
• 容認(ようにん) (acceptance, tolerance)
• 見(み)て見(み)ぬふり (pretending not to see)

Legal implications

• 黙認(もくにん) can imply complicity
• "I didn't know" vs "I looked the other way"
• Organizations can be held responsible for 黙認(もくにん)

Register: Formal. Common in news, legal, and critical contexts.