Translation guide
The English word "confession" covers several distinct situations: admitting a wrongdoing, declaring romantic feelings, and religious confession. Japanese uses different words and cultural approaches for each. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
To admit to doing something wrong, illegal, or embarrassing.
General term for confessing something personal, including crimes, secrets, or feelings. Often used in serious contexts.
彼は罪を告白した。
He confessed his crime.
真実を告白する勇気がなかった。
I didn't have the courage to confess the truth.
Specifically a confession to a crime, often in a legal or police context. Implies admitting guilt.
容疑者は自白した。
The suspect confessed.
To confess or own up, often under pressure. Slightly colloquial.
ついに彼は嘘を白状した。
Finally he confessed to the lie.
To confide or open up about something personal, not necessarily a crime. Emphasizes sharing a secret.
彼女に悩みを打ち明けた。
I confessed my worries to her.
To tell someone you like or love them, often with the hope of starting a relationship.
The standard term for a romantic confession. In Japanese culture, this is a formal step to start dating.
彼に告白しようと思っている。
I'm thinking of confessing my feelings to him.
昨日、好きな人に告白した。
Yesterday I confessed to the person I like.
Literally "to say I like you." A more direct, casual way to describe the act of confessing.
思い切って好きだと言った。
I took the plunge and told her I liked her.
A "love confession," often used in dramatic or literary contexts.
彼は彼女に愛の告白をした。
He made a declaration of love to her.
To confess sins to a priest or in a religious setting.
The Catholic sacrament of confession. Used specifically in religious contexts.
彼は教会で告解をした。
He made a confession at church.
General phrase for "confession of sins," can be used in religious or moral contexts.
罪の告白によって心が軽くなった。
I felt relieved after confessing my sins.
告白 is a broad confession of secrets, feelings, or crimes. 自白 is strictly a legal confession of guilt. Use 自白 only for admitting to a crime under interrogation or in court.
In Japan, a romantic 告白 is often expected before a couple starts dating. Simply going on dates without a clear confession may lead to ambiguity. The phrase 「付き合ってください」 (please go out with me) often accompanies the confession.
ついに彼女に愛の告白をした。
I finally confessed my love to her.