Translation guide
To go back on a promise, commitment, or agreement. In Japanese, this is expressed through verbs and phrases that convey breaking a promise, backing out, or retracting one's words.
To fail to keep a promise or to go back on one's word.
The most common and direct way to say 'break a promise'. Used with 約束 (promise).
彼は約束を破った。
He broke his promise.
Literally 'make a promise null and void'. Stronger and more formal than 破る, implying a deliberate reneging.
会社は契約を反故にした。
The company reneged on the contract.
To retract one's previous statement; to go back on one's word. Often used in formal or written contexts.
大臣は前言を翻して辞任した。
The minister reneged on his earlier statement and resigned.
Idiom meaning to flip-flop or suddenly change one's attitude or promise, often with a negative connotation.
彼は手のひらを返したように態度を変えた。
He changed his attitude as if reneging on his earlier stance.
To withdraw from a previously agreed-upon arrangement, especially in business or formal settings.
Literally 'pretend the conversation never happened'. Used when someone tries to back out of an informal agreement.
彼は昨日の話をなかったことにしようとした。
He tried to renege on what we discussed yesterday.
To cancel or revoke an agreement. Commonly used for orders, reservations, or contracts.
注文を取り消すことはできますか？
Can I renege on the order?
To withdraw or retract a statement, proposal, or agreement. Formal and often used in legal or official contexts.
彼は前言を撤回した。
He reneged on his earlier statement.
To fail to do what one said one would do, often in casual or emotional situations.
Simple and direct: 'not keep what one said'. Natural in everyday conversation.
彼は言ったことを守らなかった。
He reneged on what he said.
Calling someone a liar when they renege. Strong and accusatory, used in casual or emotional contexts.
約束を破るなんて、嘘つき！
You reneged on your promise, you liar!
There is no single Japanese verb that directly translates 'renege' in all contexts. Instead, use specific phrases depending on what is being broken (promise, contract, statement).
破る is the general term for breaking a promise. 反故にする implies a more deliberate and often formal reneging, such as on a contract or agreement.