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.
He confessed his crime.
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.
The suspect confessed.
To confess or own up, often under pressure. Slightly colloquial.
Finally he confessed to the lie.
To confide or open up about something personal, not necessarily a crime. Emphasizes sharing a secret.
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.
I'm thinking of confessing my feelings to him.
Literally "to say I like you." A more direct, casual way to describe the act of confessing.
A "love confession," often used in dramatic or literary contexts.
To confess sins to a priest or in a religious setting.
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.
He made a full confession to the police.
Legal context
I finally confessed my love to her.
Yesterday I confessed to the person I like.
I took the plunge and told her I liked her.
He made a declaration of love to her.
I felt relieved after confessing my sins.