Translation guide
The English word "declaration" covers a wide range of statements, from formal announcements to personal expressions of intent. In Japanese, the best equivalent depends on the context: official proclamations, legal statements, customs declarations, or personal declarations of love or determination. This guide organizes the most useful Japanese expressions by the intended meaning.
A public or official statement, often by a government, organization, or authority.
The most direct equivalent for a formal public declaration, such as a declaration of independence or war.
独立宣言は1776年に採択された。
The Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776.
政府は非常事態宣言を出した。
The government issued a state of emergency declaration.
A formal statement or announcement, often issued to the public or press. Slightly less forceful than 宣言.
首相が声明を発表した。
The prime minister issued a statement.
An official proclamation or edict, often historical or legal. Rare in modern everyday use.
王が布告を出した。
The king issued a proclamation.
A formal statement required by law, such as a customs declaration or a sworn statement.
Used for official reports or declarations to authorities, especially tax or customs.
税関で申告書を提出してください。
Please submit a declaration form at customs.
所得を申告する。
To declare one's income.
A sworn declaration or oath, often in legal or formal settings.
A strong personal statement, such as a declaration of love, determination, or belief.
Commonly used for a confession of love, but can also mean a declaration of one's feelings or secrets.
彼女に愛の告白をした。
I declared my love to her.
A declaration of one's determination or resolve, often used in speeches or personal statements.
彼は選挙で決意表明をした。
He made a declaration of his determination in the election.
Can also be used for personal declarations, like declaring one's intentions or goals, though it sounds somewhat formal.
In card games like bridge, or in sports, a declaration of trump or a call.
Used in games for declaring a suit, trump, or a move.
ブリッジでスペードを切り札と宣言する。
To declare spades as trumps in bridge.
Loanword from English 'call', used in some card games or sports for a declaration.
ポーカーでコールする。
To call in poker.
宣言 (せんげん) is a strong, public declaration of principles or intentions (e.g., declaration of war). 声明 (せいめい) is a formal public statement, often less forceful. 申告 (しんこく) is a report or declaration to authorities, like tax or customs.
While 宣言 can be used for personal goals, it may sound overly dramatic or formal in casual conversation. For everyday expressions of intent, use simpler phrases like 〜すると決めた (I decided to ~) or 〜するつもり (I intend to ~).
彼は愛の告白をした。
He made a declaration of love.
税関申告書に記入してください。
Please fill out the customs declaration.
証人は真実を述べることを宣誓した。
The witness swore to tell the truth.
彼は禁煙を宣言した。
He declared he would quit smoking.