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.
家族の絆は大切だ。
Family bonds are important.
彼らは強い絆で結ばれている。
They are connected by strong bonds.
A more general term for connection or link, can be used for relationships but is less emotional than 絆.
地域社会の結びつきが弱まっている。
Community bonds are weakening.
Emphasizes the state of being connected; can refer to relationships, networks, or even digital connections.
人との繋がりを大切にしたい。
I want to cherish my bonds with people.
Literally 'heart connection', used for deep emotional bonds.
言葉が通じなくても心のつながりは生まれる。
Even without a common language, emotional bonds can form.
Referring to bonds as investment instruments issued by governments or corporations.
The standard term for financial bonds. Use in formal and business contexts.
国債は政府が発行する債券です。
Government bonds are bonds issued by the government.
彼は債券投資で利益を得た。
He profited from bond investments.
Specifically corporate bonds.
Government bonds. Often used in news and economics.
Describing literal bonds that tie or restrain someone or something.
Can mean physical restraints or metaphorical constraints. Often used in the sense of being tied up or restricted.
囚人は束縛から逃れた。
The prisoner escaped from his bonds.
Specifically rope or cord used for binding. Common in historical or traditional contexts.
Shackles or fetters; often used metaphorically for something that restricts freedom.
Referring to bonds between atoms in chemistry.
General term for chemical bonds. Used in scientific contexts.
水分子は共有結合でできている。
Water molecules are formed by covalent bonds.
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.
友情の絆は壊れない。
The bonds of friendship are unbreakable.
彼は国債に投資した。
He invested in government bonds.
The company raised funds by issuing corporate bonds.
日本国債の利回りが上昇した。
Yields on Japanese government bonds rose.
He was bound with ropes.
Past mistakes have become bonds (shackles).
Explicitly 'chemical bond'. More formal or academic.
化学結合の種類について学んだ。
We learned about types of chemical bonds.