Translation guide
The English word 'bound' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: moving quickly, being certain, being obligated, being tied or restricted, and a book binding. Each meaning has its own natural Japanese expressions.
To move forward with large steps or jumps, often energetically.
To jump, leap, or bound. Often used for animals or lively movement.
The dog is bounding around the garden.
To jump up and down, to leap about. Emphasizes repeated jumping.
The children are bounding on the trampoline.
To run swiftly, dash. Can imply bounding strides.
He bounded across the field.
To be almost certain to happen or be true.
Expresses strong certainty: 'must be', 'no doubt'. Used in both speech and writing.
He is bound to succeed.
Adverb meaning 'without fail', 'certainly'. Often used for future events.
If you work hard, you are bound to be rewarded.
Indicates expectation based on reason: 'should', 'ought to'. Slightly less strong than に違いない.
He is bound to have arrived by now.
To be forced or required to do something because of a rule, duty, or promise.
Standard expression for 'must', 'have to'. Formal and neutral.
I am bound by the contract.
Literally 'have an obligation'. More formal, often legal or moral.
Citizens are bound to obey the law.
Formal/written expression meaning 'cannot help but', 'have no choice but to'. Implies external pressure.
To be tied up, fastened, or confined.
To tie, bind, or fasten with rope, string, etc.
He was bound hand and foot.
To bind, restrain, or restrict. Often used figuratively for rules or relationships.
He is bound by the rules.
To tie, knot, or connect. Can be used for binding objects together.
The cover and spine of a book, or the process of putting pages together.
While 'bound' can mean a leaping movement, it is not the same as 'bounce' (rebound). For a ball bouncing, use 弾む (はずむ) or 跳ね返る (はねかえる).
に違いない expresses a strong subjective conviction, while はずだ is based on logical expectation. Use に違いない when you are personally sure, and はずだ when the situation logically leads to that conclusion.
As the situation worsened, we were bound to change the plan.
I bound the package with string.
美しい装丁の本を買った。
I bought a book with a beautiful binding.