Translation guide
The English verb "declare" covers a range of speech acts from formal official announcements to casual personal statements. Japanese uses different verbs and patterns depending on the context, formality, and what is being declared.
To make an official or public statement, often by an authority or institution.
The most direct equivalent for formal declarations (war, independence, policy). Often used with nouns like 宣言.
政府は非常事態を宣言した。
The government declared a state of emergency.
彼らは独立を宣言した。
They declared independence.
Used specifically for promulgating laws, ordinances, or official documents.
新しい法律が公布された。
The new law was declared (promulgated).
Often used for judicial sentences or solemn pronouncements (e.g., death sentence, bankruptcy).
裁判官は判決を宣告した。
The judge declared the verdict.
To say something strongly and confidently, often in a personal context.
To assert or declare with certainty. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
彼は無実だと断言した。
He declared that he was innocent.
私はそれが真実だと断言できる。
I can declare that it's the truth.
To declare definitively, leaving no room for doubt. Slightly more casual than 断言する.
To state clearly or explicitly. Often used when someone makes their position or intention clear.
首相は増税しないと明言した。
The prime minister declared that he would not raise taxes.
To officially report goods or income to authorities.
The standard term for declaring taxable income or customs items.
税関で持ち物を申告してください。
Please declare your belongings at customs.
彼は所得を過少申告した。
He under-declared his income.
To announce a specific action or state in a game.
To confess romantic feelings or strong emotions.
The most common way to say 'declare one's love' or 'confess feelings'.
彼は彼女に愛を告白した。
He declared his love to her.
Specifically for declaring a marriage proposal.
彼は彼女にプロポーズした。
He declared his proposal to her.
宣言する is for formal public declarations (war, independence). 断言する is for personal assertions. 申告する is for official reports to authorities (tax, customs). Using the wrong one can sound unnatural or cause confusion.
English speakers often overuse 宣言する for any kind of statement. In casual conversation, it can sound overly dramatic. Use 言う or 断言する for everyday declarations.
彼は絶対に諦めないと断言した。
He declared that he would never give up.
申告するものはありますか？
Do you have anything to declare?
She declared that it would definitely be fine.