Translation guide
How to express the idea of 'one's word' in Japanese, covering promises, honor, and what someone says.
Expressing that someone has given their word, made a promise, or is bound by their statement.
The most common and neutral word for 'promise'. It can be used in most contexts where 'one's word' means a pledge.
彼は約束を守った。
He kept his word.
約束を破らないでください。
Please don't break your word.
Literally 'word' or 'language', but in set phrases it can mean 'one's word' as a promise. Often used in more formal or emphatic contexts.
彼の言葉を信じている。
I trust his word.
私は彼の言葉にすがった。
I relied on his word.
Means 'oath' or 'vow'. Used when 'one's word' is a solemn pledge, often in formal or dramatic contexts.
彼は誓いを立てた。
He gave his word (as an oath).
Referring to someone's reputation for honesty or reliability in keeping their word.
Means 'trust' or 'credit'. Often used when talking about someone's word being reliable.
彼は信用できる人だ。
He is a man of his word.
彼の信用は高い。
His word is highly trusted.
Similar to 信用, but often implies deeper reliance or faith. Used for 'trustworthiness'.
Literally 'a man's promise'. A somewhat old-fashioned or masculine way to emphasize that one's word is a matter of honor.
男の約束だ。守らなければならない。
It's a man's word. I must keep it.
Referring to the content of what someone says, their statement or utterance.
The general word for 'word' or 'words'. Can refer to what someone says in a neutral sense.
彼の言葉に傷ついた。
I was hurt by his words.
その言葉を聞いて安心した。
I was relieved to hear those words.
Means 'remark' or 'statement'. More formal, often used in official or public contexts.
Means 'what one has to say' or 'one's side of the story'. Used when someone is asserting their position.
Referring to a single word in a linguistic sense.
The standard term for a vocabulary word.
この単語の意味を教えてください。
Please tell me the meaning of this word.
Can also mean a single word, though it often refers to language or speech in general.
Avoid directly translating 'one's word' as 人の言葉 (hito no kotoba) in most contexts. It sounds unnatural. Use the appropriate phrase based on the intended meaning (promise, trust, statement, etc.).
約束 is the standard word for a promise. 言葉 can imply a promise in certain phrases, but it is less direct and more context-dependent. Use 約束 when you specifically mean a pledge or commitment.
彼は信頼に足る人物だ。
He is a person whose word can be trusted.
彼の発言は問題になった。
His words became an issue.
彼の言い分も聞いてあげてください。
Please listen to his word (his side) as well.
いい言葉ですね。
That's a nice word.