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.
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.
Emphasizes the state of being connected; can refer to relationships, networks, or even digital connections.
Literally 'heart connection', used for deep emotional bonds.
Referring to bonds as investment instruments issued by governments or corporations.
The standard term for financial bonds. Use in formal and business contexts.
Government bonds are bonds issued by the government.
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.
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.
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.
He invested in government 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.
Even without a common language, emotional bonds can form.
He profited from bond investments.
その会社は社債を発行して資金を調達した。
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.
We learned about types of chemical bonds.