Translation guide
A pinky swear is a promise made by interlocking little fingers, often between children or close friends. In Japanese, the act is called 指切り (yubikiri), and it is accompanied by a well-known rhyme. This guide covers how to refer to the act, how to propose it, and the cultural context.
Referring to the gesture itself or the promise made by interlocking pinkies.
The standard word for a pinky swear. Literally 'finger cut-off', it refers to the promise and the gesture. Often used with する (to do).
子供の頃、よく指切りをした。
When I was a child, I often did pinky swears.
指切りは絶対に破ってはいけない。
You must never break a pinky swear.
The first part of the traditional pinky swear rhyme. Often said while linking pinkies. The full rhyme continues with '嘘ついたら針千本飲ます' (if you lie, you must swallow a thousand needles).
「指切りげんまん、嘘ついたら針千本飲ます！」と子供たちは言った。
The children said, 'Pinky swear, if you lie, you must swallow a thousand needles!'
The full traditional rhyme. It is well-known but mainly used by children or in a playful context.
彼女は笑いながら「指切りげんまん、嘘ついたら針千本飲ます」と言った。
She laughed and said, 'Pinky swear, if you lie, you must swallow a thousand needles.'
How to suggest doing a pinky swear with someone.
Casual way to say 'Let's pinky swear.' Used among friends or children.
約束を守るために、指切りしよう。
Let's pinky swear to keep our promise.
Even more casual, shortened form of 指切りしよう. Common in very informal speech.
ねえ、指切りしよ！
Hey, let's pinky swear!
Using the concept of a pinky swear to emphasize a serious promise, even if you don't actually link fingers.
Can be used metaphorically to mean 'make a solemn promise.'
これは二人だけの秘密だよ。指切りしよう。
This is just between us. Let's pinky swear.
A 'pinky-swear promise,' emphasizing that it's a very serious promise, often used playfully among adults.
これは指切りげんまんの約束だから、絶対に忘れないでね。
This is a pinky-swear promise, so don't you ever forget it.
Do not translate 'pinky swear' literally as 小指の誓い (koyubi no chikai) or similar. The natural term is 指切り (yubikiri).
The pinky swear rhyme is deeply ingrained in Japanese childhood culture. The threat of swallowing a thousand needles is a traditional, exaggerated punishment for breaking a promise. Adults may use it jokingly.
私たちは指切りをした。
We made a pinky swear.
私たちの指切り、覚えてる？
Do you remember our pinky swear?