Translation guide
The English word 'commitment' covers several distinct ideas: a promise or obligation, dedication to a cause or person, and the act of committing something. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
A pledge or duty to do something, often in personal or professional contexts.
The most common word for a promise or commitment between people. Used in everyday situations.
He kept his commitment.
Please don't break your commitment.
Responsibility or duty, often implying a formal or moral commitment. Used in work or social contexts.
He fulfilled his commitment to the project.
Loanword from English, used mainly in business or technical contexts. Can sound stiff in casual conversation.
Management showed a commitment to quality improvement.
Strong devotion or loyalty, such as to a job, partner, or belief.
Selfless dedication or devotion, often to a cause, work, or person. Implies giving oneself fully.
Her commitment to her work is admirable.
Enthusiasm and passion, often used to describe commitment in a positive, energetic sense.
To tackle something seriously; conveys a strong commitment to an effort or task.
Loyalty or fidelity, often used in formal or dramatic contexts (e.g., to a country, leader, or partner).
The action of allocating or dedicating something, such as money, time, or effort.
To invest or commit resources (time, money, people). Commonly used in business.
The company committed significant funds to developing the new product.
To spend or expend (time, effort). Emphasizes the consumption of resources for a purpose.
Entrusting or committing something to someone's care. Formal, often used in legal or business contexts.
Entering into a binding agreement or long-term arrangement.
A contract or formal agreement. Used for legal or business commitments.
They made a long-term commitment.
A pledge or vow, often used in formal or ceremonial contexts (e.g., marriage vows, oaths).
Idiom meaning to settle down (e.g., get married, take a stable job). Implies a life commitment.
In many everyday situations, Japanese speakers express commitment through actions or context rather than a single noun. For example, instead of saying 'I have a commitment,' it's more natural to specify the event or promise: 「先約があります」(I have a prior engagement). Using コミットメント in casual speech can sound unnatural or overly business-like.
約束 is a personal promise, often between individuals. 責任 implies a duty or responsibility, often with social or moral weight. Use 約束 for informal commitments and 責任 for formal obligations.
Keep a promise to a friend.
Fulfill one's responsibility as a parent.
I can't come because I have a prior commitment.
Natural way to decline an invitation by referring to a previous promise.
She shows great commitment to her studies.
Using 熱心 (enthusiastic) is more natural than a direct translation of 'commitment'.
His commitment to volunteering is genuine.
He is committed to solving the problem.
彼は会社に忠誠を誓った。
He pledged his commitment to the company.
He committed a lot of time to the research.
The task was committed to an external party.
結婚の誓約を交わした。
They exchanged marriage commitments.
I'm thinking about making a commitment (settling down) soon.