Translation guide
The English word "honor" covers a wide range of meanings, from personal integrity and reputation to formal recognition and respect. In Japanese, these concepts are expressed through different words and cultural practices. This guide breaks down the main uses of "honor" and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; a sense of what is right.
Refers to honor in the sense of reputation, dignity, and moral standing. Often used in formal contexts.
彼は名誉を重んじる人だ。
He is a man who values honor.
Pride or self-respect; a sense of honor as personal dignity. More emotional than 名誉.
彼女は自分の仕事に誇りを持っている。
She takes pride (honor) in her work.
Faithfulness, fidelity, or honor in keeping one's word. More literary and formal.
信義を守ることは武士の道だ。
Keeping faith is the way of the samurai.
The respect and admiration given to someone because of their achievements or character.
The standard word for honor as reputation. Used in phrases like 'honor student' (名誉学生) or 'honorary degree' (名誉学位).
彼は学校の名誉を守った。
He defended the honor of the school.
Fame or renown; honor in the sense of public recognition. Often used for artists or historical figures.
Face, honor, or dignity in social contexts. Often used in the phrase 面目を保つ (to save face).
Something that you are proud to be allowed to do, often expressed as 'it is an honor to...'
The most common way to say 'I am honored' or 'it is an honor.' Used in formal speeches and polite conversation.
お会いできて光栄です。
It is an honor to meet you.
Literally 'it is an honorable thing.' Slightly more formal and less common than 光栄です.
この賞をいただき、大変名誉なことです。
Receiving this award is a great honor.
A tangible recognition of achievement, such as a medal, prize, or title.
Honor or glory, often used for awards and distinctions. Similar to 名誉 but with a nuance of glory.
彼は栄誉ある賞を受けた。
He received an honorable award.
Title, degree, or honorific name. Used for formal titles like 'honorary citizen' (名誉市民).
The act of showing respect or admiration for someone.
Respect, esteem. Often used in the phrase 'to honor someone' as 尊敬する.
私たちは彼の勇気を尊敬している。
We honor his courage.
Respect, reverence. Used in phrases like 敬意を表する (to pay respect/honor).
To do what you said you would do, especially in financial or formal contexts.
Literally 'to protect a promise.' The most natural way to say 'honor a promise/commitment.'
彼は必ず約束を守る。
He always honors his promises.
To fulfill an obligation. Used for honoring duties or responsibilities.
彼は国民としての義務を果たした。
He honored his duty as a citizen.
名誉 (meiyo) is the general term for honor, reputation, and dignity. 栄誉 (eiyo) specifically refers to glory or high honor, often associated with awards and public recognition. Use 名誉 for moral honor and 栄誉 for prestigious honors.
English often uses 'honor' as a verb (e.g., 'honor someone'). In Japanese, you usually need a specific verb like 尊敬する (respect), 敬意を表する (pay respect), or 約束を守る (keep a promise). Avoid directly translating 'honor' as a single verb.
ここに来られて光栄です。
It is an honor to be here.
彼は名誉を守って死んだ。
He died defending his honor.
彼女は優等で卒業した。
She graduated with honors.
In academic contexts, 'honors' is often translated as 優等 (yūtō).
彼は名声を得るために努力した。
He worked hard to gain honor (fame).
彼は面目を失った。
He lost face (honor).
Expresses a feeling of being undeserving of an honor; 'I am not worthy.' Very humble and formal.
このような機会をいただき、恐れ多い限りです。
I am deeply honored (and humbled) to be given this opportunity.
彼は名誉市民の称号を与えられた。
He was given the title of honorary citizen.
They paid honor to the deceased.