Translation guide
In Japanese, a personal motto or favourite saying is commonly expressed with 座右の銘 (zayū no mei), literally 'an inscription by one's side'. This is the standard phrase for a guiding principle or cherished maxim. In casual contexts, people may simply say 好きな言葉 (suki na kotoba, 'favourite words') or モットー (mottō).
A saying or phrase that one lives by, often written down and kept close as a reminder.
The standard, natural way to say 'favourite motto' in the sense of a personal guiding principle. Literally 'inscription by one's right side', it implies a phrase kept close for daily inspiration.
私の座右の銘は「継続は力なり」です。
My favourite motto is 'perseverance is power'.
座右の銘を教えてください。
Please tell me your favourite motto.
Loanword from English, commonly used in casual conversation. It can sound slightly less formal than 座右の銘.
Literally 'favourite word(s)'. Used when the motto is a short phrase or saying. More casual and broader than 座右の銘.
好きな言葉は何ですか？
What's your favourite saying?
座右の銘 is the most precise and traditional term for a personal motto, often implying a classical or philosophical saying. モットー is a casual loanword that can also refer to company slogans or team mottos. 好きな言葉 is the most general and can refer to any favourite word or phrase, not necessarily a life motto.
私の座右の銘は「その日を摘め」です。
My favourite motto is 'carpe diem'.
Latin phrases are often translated or kept in katakana; here a Japanese translation is used.
彼のモットーは「楽しむこと」だ。
His motto is 'to have fun'.