Sontaku: Understanding What Is Not Said
2026-09-09
Sontaku: Understanding What Is Not Said
The Japanese word “sontaku” (忖度) means trying to understand another person’s feelings or intentions without being directly told.
There is no perfect English translation. Depending on the situation, it may mean “reading between the lines,” “anticipating someone’s wishes,” or “acting on an unspoken intention.”
Originally, sontaku had a thoughtful and positive meaning. For example:
“I considered my friend’s circumstances and decided not to invite them.”
In this case, sontaku means showing consideration by imagining what the other person may be going through.
In recent years, however, the word has often been used negatively, especially in politics and business. For example:
“I held back my opinion after sensing what senior management wanted.”
Here, sontaku means watching those in power and adjusting one’s behavior to please them, even without receiving a direct instruction.
This can become dangerous. A leader may say nothing, but subordinates act according to what they believe the leader wants. If something goes wrong, everyone can claim that no order was given.
Understanding others is valuable, but assumptions are not instructions. Sontaku may prevent an uncomfortable conversation, but clear communication can prevent a much larger problem.
Disclaimer: I use AI as a tool to help create images and proofread my writing. However, the ideas, opinions, experiences, and messages in my posts are my own. AI does not generate my posts for me. It simply helps me present my own words and ideas more clearly.
Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
Uchikura & Co., LLC.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
I was born and raised in Japan and have spent most of my adult life in the United States. Through this blog, I share Japanese culture, language, expressions, and wisdom. My goal is not to say one culture is better, but to explore different perspectives and what we can learn from them.
Your comments are always welcome.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
Uchikura & Co., LLC.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
ABOUT THIS BLOG
I was born and raised in Japan and have spent most of my adult life in the United States. Through this blog, I share Japanese culture, language, expressions, and wisdom. My goal is not to say one culture is better, but to explore different perspectives and what we can learn from them.
Your comments are always welcome.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..