Translation guide
A motto is a short phrase that expresses a guiding principle or belief. In Japanese, this can be expressed with words like 座右の銘, 標語, or モットー, depending on whether it's a personal life principle, a slogan, or a borrowed English term.
A short phrase or sentence that someone lives by, often kept in mind as a personal rule.
Literally 'inscription at one's side,' this is the most natural way to refer to a personal motto or maxim that guides one's life.
私の座右の銘は「継続は力なり」です。
My motto is 'perseverance is power.'
A loanword from English, commonly used for personal mottos, but can sound slightly casual or modern.
彼のモットーは「楽しむこと」だ。
His motto is 'to have fun.'
Refers to one's creed or belief system, often used in more formal or philosophical contexts.
正直であることが彼の信条だ。
Honesty is his creed.
A short phrase used by a company, school, or group to express its mission or values.
Commonly used for slogans, especially in schools, companies, or public campaigns.
この学校の標語は「明るく、正しく、仲良く」です。
This school's motto is 'Be cheerful, honest, and friendly.'
A loanword often used for advertising or campaign slogans, slightly more commercial in feel.
Also used for organizational mottos, especially when the group wants a modern or international image.
A phrase inscribed on a coat of arms or emblem, often in Latin or an archaic language.
Used for inscriptions on monuments, crests, or emblems. Often part of a compound like 家紋の銘.
その家紋の銘は「忠誠」です。
The motto on that family crest is 'Loyalty.'
座右の銘 is specifically a personal life motto, often a classical saying. モットー is a flexible loanword for both personal and organizational mottos. 標語 is a slogan, often used in educational or public contexts.
While モットー is understood, 座右の銘 is more idiomatic for personal mottos. Using モットー for a traditional Japanese context may sound out of place.
その会社のスローガンは「未来を創る」です。
That company's slogan is 'Creating the future.'
我が社のモットーは「顧客第一」です。
Our company motto is 'Customer first.'