Translation guide
The English word "binding" can refer to physical fastening, legal/contractual obligation, emotional connection, or the cover of a book. This guide helps learners express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
To express the action of tying, fastening, or securing something with rope, string, or similar material.
General verb for tying or binding something, often with rope or cord. Can be used for tying objects or restraining people.
He bound the luggage with rope.
To tie, knot, or connect. Often used for tying strings, ribbons, or making knots. Also used for forming connections or agreements.
Please tie your shoelaces.
To bundle or tie together into a bunch. Used for binding things like sticks, flowers, or papers.
I bound the flowers together and put them in a vase.
To express that a contract, promise, or rule creates a legal or moral obligation.
Means 'has binding force' or 'is legally binding'. Used for contracts, agreements, or rules.
This contract is binding.
Explicitly states 'legally binding'. More formal and precise.
The agreement is not legally binding.
To impose an obligation; to bind someone to do something. Often used in legal or formal contexts.
The law binds companies to report.
To express a strong emotional tie or connection between people.
Refers to emotional bonds, ties, or connections between people, such as family, friends, or community. Often used in positive contexts.
Family bonds are strong.
Connection, link, or bond. Can be used for relationships, ideas, or things. More neutral than 絆.
There is a deep bond between the two.
Connection or link. Often used for social connections, networks, or continuity.
We value our bonds with the local community.
To refer to the physical cover or the way pages are held together in a book.
Refers to the binding and overall design of a book, including cover, layout, and materials. Used in publishing contexts.
This book has a beautiful binding.
Bookbinding as a process or craft. Can also refer to the bound book itself.
I am learning the art of bookbinding.
Specifically means 'cover' of a book or magazine. Not the binding itself, but often used when describing the physical appearance.
The binding/cover is torn.
縛る (shibaru) implies binding tightly, often with rope, and can have a nuance of restraint. 結ぶ (musubu) is more about tying or connecting, often with a knot, and is used for things like shoelaces, ties, or forming relationships.
bind a criminal
tie a necktie
English often uses 'binding' as an adjective (e.g., 'a binding agreement'). In Japanese, you usually need a phrase like 拘束力がある (has binding force) rather than a single adjective. Avoid directly translating 'binding' as バインディング, which is a loanword mainly used for ski bindings or bookbinding.