Translation guide
The English word "endorsement" covers several distinct meanings: public support, official approval, a signature on a document, and a promotional recommendation. Japanese uses different words and patterns for each. This guide breaks them down by practical use.
Expressing that a person or organization publicly supports another person, idea, or product.
The most direct and common word for support or backing, used in politics, business, and general contexts.
He expressed his endorsement of the policy.
Recommendation, often used when someone formally puts forward a person or thing as worthy. Implies a stronger personal guarantee than 支持.
教授の推薦でその会社に就職した。
I got the job at that company through my professor's endorsement.
Literally 'pushing from behind', meaning active support or backing, often in a more informal or practical sense.
地元企業の後押しでプロジェクトが成功した。
The project succeeded thanks to the endorsement of local businesses.
Agreement or approval, often used in formal contexts like statements or resolutions. Less common for personal endorsements.
多くの議員がその法案に賛同した。
Many lawmakers endorsed the bill.
Referring to a formal stamp of approval from an authority, like a license or certification.
Official approval or recognition, used for things like government approval, corporate sign-off, or formal acceptance.
新薬はFDAの承認を受けた。
The new drug received FDA endorsement.
Official permission or license, often from a government body. Stronger than 承認, implying legal authorization.
Certification or accreditation, often used for qualifications or standards.
The act of signing the back of a check or a formal document to transfer rights or confirm agreement.
The specific term for endorsement on a check or bill of exchange. Also used metaphorically for backing.
小切手に裏書をしてください。
Please put your endorsement on the check.
General verb for signing, used when the context makes the endorsement meaning clear.
契約書に署名して承認した。
He signed the contract as an endorsement.
When a famous person publicly recommends a product or service, often for money.
Common phrase for being a brand ambassador or celebrity endorser. Literally 'serve as image character'.
彼女はその化粧品ブランドのイメージキャラクターを務めている。
She is a celebrity endorser for that cosmetics brand.
Appearing in a commercial, which is a common form of endorsement in Japan.
有名俳優がその車のCMに出演している。
A famous actor endorses that car in commercials.
Slang from fan culture, meaning one's favorite or recommendation. Can be used informally for personal endorsement.
このアイドルが私の推しです。
This idol is my endorsement (my favorite).
There is no single Japanese word that covers all meanings of 'endorsement'. Using エンドースメント is rare and mostly limited to marketing jargon. Always choose the word that fits the specific context.
支持 is general support (you can support an idea without actively promoting it). 推薦 is a recommendation, often with a personal guarantee, like a reference letter. Use 推薦 when someone is putting their reputation behind something.
The bank obtained government endorsement.
この製品は安全基準の認定を受けている。
This product has received safety standard endorsement.