Translation guide
The English verb 'commit' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: doing something wrong or illegal, making a firm decision or promise, dedicating yourself to something, and sending data in computing. Each meaning has different natural Japanese expressions.
Express that someone carries out a crime, sin, mistake, or bad act.
The most direct equivalent for committing a crime or sin. Often used with words like 罪 (crime/sin) or 過ち (mistake).
He committed a crime.
Please don't commit the same mistake.
A more general verb meaning 'to carry out' or 'to perform'. Used for acts like crimes or violations in formal contexts.
He committed a serious violation.
A very casual, slangy verb meaning 'to do something bad' or 'to mess up'. Used among friends.
Did you commit another blunder?
Express making a firm decision, promise, or pledge to do something.
The standard way to say 'promise' or 'commit to doing something'. Used in both casual and formal settings.
He committed to exercising every day.
I commit to being on time.
Means 'to make up one's mind' or 'resolve to do something'. Emphasizes personal determination.
She committed to studying abroad.
A loanword from English, used in business or tech contexts to mean 'commit' to a plan or goal. Sounds modern and slightly formal.
Please commit to the project.
Express strong dedication or devotion to something like a relationship, work, or belief.
Means 'to devote oneself' or 'to concentrate on'. Commonly used for committing to work, studies, or a task.
He is committed to his research.
A formal expression meaning 'to make efforts' or 'to devote oneself'. Often used in speeches or writing.
He committed himself to peace.
Literally 'to offer one's body/life'. A strong, dramatic expression for total commitment, like to a cause or person.
She committed her life to art.
Express the action of saving or finalizing changes in a database or version control system.
The standard loanword used in IT contexts, especially for Git commits. Can be used as a noun or with する.
Please commit the changes.
Means 'to finalize' or 'to confirm'. Used in database transactions (commit) or when confirming changes.
Commit the transaction.
Express sending someone to a hospital, prison, or mental institution, often involuntarily.
犯す is only for crimes, sins, or serious mistakes. Using it for a promise or dedication would be incorrect. For example, 'commit to a plan' is not 計画を犯す.
約束する implies a promise to someone else, while 決心する is a personal resolution. Use 約束する when you commit to another person, and 決心する when you decide for yourself.
I promised him I would help.
This commit includes bug fixes.
I resolved to wake up early.