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.
He kept his word.
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.
I trust his word.
I relied on his word.
Means 'oath' or 'vow'. Used when 'one's word' is a solemn pledge, often in formal or dramatic contexts.
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.
He is a man of his word.
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.
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.
I was hurt by his 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.
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.
His word is highly trusted.
彼は信頼に足る人物だ。
He is a person whose word can be trusted.
I was relieved to hear those words.
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.