Business Japanese – Difference between “認可” and “認証”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between” 認可” and “認証“
2. 認可
3. 認証
4. Summary
5. Quiz
6. Similar Articles
7. Comment
Q: Could you explain the difference between “認可” and “認証“?
A: These two terms are similar but different. “認可” refers to granting legal rights to individuals or organizations by an administrative body after meeting specific conditions, while “認証” involves verifying a person’s identity or confirming credentials in a system. Let’s take a closer look.
認可
“認可” refers to whether individuals or organizations, recognized by the government, are permitted to carry out a specific action.
For example, in the case of educational institutions, it is essential to meet legal standards set by administrative bodies, such as teaching hours and teacher allocation. Once these conditions are met, the necessary procedures are completed, and the administrative body grants approval, legal rights are formally given. This process, which makes the approval legally valid, is referred to as “認可.”
This term is often used as a “する” verb and is commonly paired with verbs like “下りる／下りない,” carrying the meaning of “being permitted.”
[Examples]
国は新しい事業を認可するべきか悩んでいるようです。
The government seems to be debating whether they should authorize the new business.
国から認可が下りました。
Authorization was granted by the government.
行政から認可が下りなかったが、何が問題だったのでしょうか。
Authorization was not granted by the administration, but what was the issue?
認証
On the other hand, “認証” focuses on the question, “Who are you?”
For example, when verifying identity at a bank, documents such as a driver’s license are required. The process of officially confirming that someone is indeed who they claim to be is referred to as “認証.”
Recently, this term has been frequently used in the context of computers and network systems. For instance, modern smartphones use fingerprint or facial recognition to verify that the device’s user is its rightful owner. This process is also called “認証.”
This term is likewise used as a “suru” verb. Commonly associated words include “指紋“(fingerprint),” “顔 “(face), and “本人 “(identity).
[Examples]
ここに指を置いて指紋で認証してください。
Please place your finger here to authenticate with your fingerprint.
わたしのマンションでは、顔認証で本人確認ができます。
In my apartment, facial recognition is used for identity verification.
Summary
[認可]
- Granting legal rights to individuals or organizations by an administrative body after meeting certain conditions set by the government.
[認証]
- Verifying a person’s identity through a public institution, using documents such as certificates to confirm that the individual is officially who they claim to be.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. 認可
国から正式に認可されたので新しい事業を始めます。
Since it was officially authorized by the government, I am starting a new business.
* “認可” is appropriate because it refers to obtaining permission from the government.
A. 認証
何度やっても本人だと認証されませんでした。
No matter how many times I tried, I couldn’t be authenticated as the correct person.
* 認証” is appropriate because it involves verifying the individual’s identity.
A. 認証
最近のスマホは顔でも指紋でも認証できてすごいですね。
Modern smartphones are amazing because they can authenticate users with both facial recognition and fingerprints.
*”認証” is appropriate because it verifies the smartphone owner’s identity.
A. 認可
行政に書類を申請したので認可が下りるまで待たなければなりません。
I submitted the documents to the administration and must wait until authorization is granted.
*”認可” is appropriate because it refers to obtaining permission from the administration.
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