Translation guide
The English word "pledge" can refer to a formal promise, a vow, a financial commitment, or a token of something. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression based on the context.
A serious, often public, promise to do something or uphold a principle.
A general term for a vow or oath. Can be used in personal, formal, or ceremonial contexts.
彼は禁酒の誓いを立てた。
He made a pledge to abstain from alcohol.
結婚の誓いを交わす。
To exchange wedding vows.
A formal, often written pledge or covenant. Common in legal, organizational, or official contexts.
彼は秘密保持の誓約書に署名した。
He signed a written pledge of confidentiality.
A public pledge or campaign promise, especially by politicians.
首相は減税を公約した。
The prime minister pledged to cut taxes.
The verb phrase meaning 'to make a vow/pledge'.
彼女は復讐の誓いを立てた。
She pledged revenge.
A commitment to give a certain amount of money, often to a charity or cause.
Literally 'promise of donation'. The most natural way to express a pledge to donate.
彼は100万円の寄付の約束をした。
He made a pledge of one million yen.
Verb phrase: 'to pledge a donation'.
多くの企業が被災地に寄付を約束した。
Many companies pledged donations to the disaster area.
Loanword from English, used in fundraising contexts like 'pledge drive'. Not widely understood outside specific circles.
An object handed over as a guarantee or symbol of a promise.
Collateral or security for a loan. Also used figuratively.
彼は家を担保に金を借りた。
He borrowed money using his house as a pledge.
A pawn or pledge. Used in pawnshop contexts.
時計を質に入れる。
To put a watch in pledge (pawn it).
A token or proof of something, often used in literary contexts for a pledge of love or loyalty.
A formal declaration of loyalty to a country, flag, or group.
Standard translation for 'pledge of allegiance'.
彼らは国旗に忠誠の誓いを立てた。
They pledged allegiance to the flag.
Verb phrase: 'to pledge loyalty'.
兵士たちは国に忠誠を誓った。
The soldiers pledged loyalty to the country.
In US college culture, a student who has accepted an invitation to join a Greek-letter organization.
This concept is specific to American culture. There is no direct Japanese equivalent. Use the English word 'pledge' (プレッジ) with an explanation, or describe the situation.
彼はフラタニティのプレッジ（新入会員候補）だ。
He is a pledge (prospective member) of the fraternity.
While 誓う (ちかう) means 'to vow', it is not always the best fit for 'to pledge'. In many cases, 約束する (やくそくする, 'to promise') or a more specific verb is more natural. For example, 'pledge support' is better as 支援を約束する (しえんを やくそくする) rather than 支援を誓う.
彼は支援を約束した。
He pledged his support.
誓い (ちかい) implies a solemn, often lifelong or deeply personal vow, while 約束 (やくそく) is a general promise. Use 誓い for pledges like marriage vows or oaths of loyalty; use 約束 for everyday promises or financial pledges.
彼はその慈善団体に100ドルの寄付を約束した。
He pledged $100 to the charity.
The radio station held a pledge drive.
Give a ring as a pledge of love.