Translation guide
The English word 'charter' has several distinct meanings: a formal document granting rights, the act of hiring a vehicle or service, and a set of principles. This guide covers the most common ways to express these in Japanese.
To hire a plane, boat, bus, or other service for exclusive use.
A loanword from English, commonly used for hiring vehicles like planes, buses, or boats.
飛行機をチャーターする。
I will charter a plane.
バスをチャーターして旅行に行った。
We chartered a bus and went on a trip.
Means 'reserved' or 'exclusive use'. Often used for buses, taxis, or venues. Can be used as a noun or with する.
貸し切りバスを予約した。
I reserved a chartered bus.
この船は貸し切りです。
This boat is chartered (for private use).
A formal term specifically for chartering a ship. Used in business or legal contexts.
タンカーを傭船する契約を結んだ。
We signed a contract to charter a tanker.
A formal written document issued by a government or authority that defines rights, privileges, or purposes.
Used for official documents like the UN Charter or a corporate charter. Implies a foundational set of principles.
国連憲章は国際平和の基本です。
The UN Charter is the foundation of international peace.
大学の憲章に従って運営される。
It is operated according to the university charter.
Historically, a royal charter granting special rights. Now often refers to letters patent. More historical or legal.
その会社は国王の特許状によって設立された。
The company was established by a royal charter.
Specifically refers to the articles of incorporation or corporate charter of a company.
A document outlining the fundamental principles of an organization or movement.
Same as above, but used in a broader sense for any foundational charter of principles.
オリンピック憲章はスポーツの精神を定めている。
The Olympic Charter defines the spirit of sport.
Means 'declaration'. Sometimes used for documents like a charter of rights, though it's less formal than 憲章.
Both mean 'charter' in the sense of hiring for exclusive use. チャーター is a direct loanword and is very common for vehicles. 貸し切り is a native Japanese word that emphasizes the 'reserved' aspect and can be used for venues, taxis, etc. They are often interchangeable for transport, but 貸し切り is more versatile.
タクシーを貸し切りにする。
To hire a taxi for exclusive use.
飛行機をチャーターする。
To charter a plane.
憲章 only means a formal document or set of principles. Using it for hiring a vehicle would be completely wrong. Use チャーター or 貸し切り instead.
会社の定款を変更するには株主総会の決議が必要だ。
To amend the company charter, a resolution of the shareholders' meeting is required.
The charter of human rights proclaims freedom and equality.