Translation guide
A formal public announcement, often by an authority. In Japanese, the best choice depends on the context: an official government declaration, a public notice, or a personal declaration.
A formal statement issued by a government, emperor, or high authority to the public.
The most common word for a formal declaration or proclamation, such as a declaration of independence or a government policy statement.
政府は緊急事態を宣言した。
The government proclaimed a state of emergency.
A formal proclamation or edict, often used historically for imperial or governmental decrees. More formal and less common in modern contexts.
天皇の名による布告が発せられた。
A proclamation was issued in the name of the Emperor.
An imperial rescript or edict, specifically a written proclamation by the Emperor. Very formal and historical.
詔書が国民に向けて公布された。
The imperial rescript was promulgated to the nation.
A written or spoken announcement made to inform the general public, often posted or broadcast.
A public notice or official notification, often used by government offices or public institutions for announcements like election dates or public hearings.
市役所の告示板に新しい条例の告示が貼り出された。
A proclamation of the new ordinance was posted on the city hall notice board.
Promulgation or official proclamation of a law or ordinance. Used when a new law is formally announced and put into effect.
A public statement or declaration, often by an organization or individual. Less official than 宣言, but can be used for proclamations of intent.
A strong, often public, statement of one's intentions, beliefs, or feelings, sometimes with a dramatic or emphatic tone.
Also used for personal declarations, such as proclaiming one's love or intentions. Can sound dramatic.
彼はみんなの前で愛を宣言した。
He proclaimed his love in front of everyone.
To proclaim loudly or proudly. Adds emphasis to the act of declaring.
彼女は自分の信念を高らかに宣言した。
She proclaimed her beliefs loudly and clearly.
When you want to quote the exact words of a proclamation, use the pattern 「〜」と宣言する.
彼は「明日から禁煙する」と宣言した。
He proclaimed, "I will quit smoking from tomorrow."
宣言 (sengen) is a general declaration, often official or personal. 声明 (seimei) is a public statement, often by organizations. 布告 (fukoku) is a formal edict or proclamation, historically by an emperor or government. For modern government proclamations, 宣言 is most common; for laws, 公布 (kōfu) is used.
English 'proclamation' can be a noun or the act of proclaiming. In Japanese, the appropriate word depends heavily on context. Using 宣言 as a catch-all is often acceptable, but for specific official or historical contexts, choose the more precise term.
The new law was proclaimed.
大統領が声明を発表した。
The president issued a proclamation.