Translation guide
The English word "purport" is formal and means the general meaning or intended message of something said or written. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, you express this idea using nouns like 趣旨 (しゅし) or 要旨 (ようし) for the gist or main point, or verbs like ～と主張する (～としゅちょうする) when someone claims something. The choice depends on whether you're referring to the content of a statement or the act of claiming.
To refer to the main idea or intended message of something said or written.
Refers to the main point, purpose, or intended meaning of a statement, speech, or document. Common in formal contexts.
彼のスピーチの趣旨は理解できた。
I understood the purport of his speech.
To say that something is true, especially when this may not be the case.
The most direct way to say 'purport to be/do something'. Used when someone claims something, often with a nuance of doubt.
その文書は公式なものだと主張している。
The document purports to be official.
Do not try to translate 'purport' as a single Japanese word in all contexts. The noun form and verb form require different expressions. Using 主張する for the noun meaning would be incorrect.
趣旨 emphasizes the intended meaning or purpose behind a statement, while 要旨 focuses on the summarized content. For example, the 趣旨 of a speech is its core message, while the 要旨 is a summary of what was said.
彼の訪問の趣旨はついに説明されなかった。
The purport of his visit was never explained.
その本は実話だと主張している。
The book purports to be a true story.
この手紙の趣旨がわからない。
I don't understand the purport of this letter.
Means the summary or gist, often used for the main points of a document or argument. Slightly more focused on summarization than 趣旨.
報告書の要旨を説明してください。
Please explain the purport of the report.
Literary or formal term for the general meaning or outline. Less common in everyday speech.
文章の大意をつかむ。
Grasp the purport of the passage.
彼は専門家だと主張しているが、資格はない。
He purports to be an expert, but he has no qualifications.
Means 'to call oneself' or 'to claim to be', often with a negative implication of pretense.
彼は医者と称しているが、偽物だ。
He purports to be a doctor, but he's a fake.
A phrase meaning 'it is supposed to be that...' or 'it is said that...', often implying that the claim may not be true. Used for situations where something is officially or ostensibly the case.
この薬は万能だということになっている。
This medicine purports to be a cure-all.