Translation guide
The English word "bonds" can refer to emotional connections between people, financial instruments, physical restraints, or chemical links. This guide focuses on the most common meanings for learners: human relationships and financial bonds.
Expressing close relationships, emotional connections, or ties between people (family, friends, teams).
The most common and natural word for emotional bonds between people, such as family, friends, or community. Often used in positive contexts.
Family bonds are important.
A more general term for connection or link, can be used for relationships but is less emotional than 絆.
Emphasizes the state of being connected; can refer to relationships, networks, or even digital connections.
Literally 'heart connection', used for deep emotional bonds.
Even without a common language, emotional bonds can form.
Referring to bonds as investment instruments issued by governments or corporations.
Describing literal bonds that tie or restrain someone or something.
Referring to bonds between atoms in chemistry.
General term for chemical bonds. Used in scientific contexts.
The loanword ボンド (bondo) is only used for adhesive glue or James Bond. For emotional bonds, use 絆 (きずな).
関係 (かんけい) is a neutral term for 'relationship', while 絆 implies a deep, positive emotional connection. Use 絆 when you want to emphasize warmth and closeness.
The bonds of friendship are unbreakable.
They are connected by strong bonds.
Community bonds are weakening.
人との繋がりを大切にしたい。
I want to cherish my bonds with people.
The standard term for financial bonds. Use in formal and business contexts.
Government bonds are bonds issued by the government.
He profited from bond investments.
Specifically corporate bonds.
The company raised funds by issuing corporate bonds.
Government bonds. Often used in news and economics.
Yields on Japanese government bonds rose.
Can mean physical restraints or metaphorical constraints. Often used in the sense of being tied up or restricted.
The prisoner escaped from his bonds.
Specifically rope or cord used for binding. Common in historical or traditional contexts.
He was bound with ropes.
Shackles or fetters; often used metaphorically for something that restricts freedom.
Past mistakes have become bonds (shackles).
Water molecules are formed by covalent bonds.
Explicitly 'chemical bond'. More formal or academic.
We learned about types of chemical bonds.
He invested in government bonds.