Translation guide
The English word "undertaking" can refer to a task or project, a formal promise, or the business of preparing the dead for burial. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to a significant or difficult task, project, or venture that someone takes on.
Common word for a project, enterprise, or undertaking, often used in business or public contexts.
A formal pledge or guarantee, often in legal or official contexts.
General word for promise; can be used for undertakings in less formal contexts.
The business of preparing the dead for burial or cremation and arranging funerals.
The funeral business or undertaking profession.
English 'undertaking' is often used abstractly. In Japanese, it's more natural to specify the type of task (事業, 取り組み, etc.) rather than using a single catch-all word.
この事業は多くの資金を必要とする。
This undertaking requires a lot of funding.
An undertaking with a sense of planning or scheming; can be neutral or slightly negative (scheme).
His new undertaking seems likely to succeed.
An undertaking in the sense of an effort or initiative, often used for tackling problems or challenges.
Undertakings for environmental protection are important.
Literally 'big job', used informally for a major undertaking or task.
Renovating the house was a big undertaking.
He gave an undertaking to come on time.
A formal written pledge or covenant, often used in legal or official documents.
I signed a written undertaking of confidentiality.
A firm promise or assurance, often used in business to confirm an agreement.
Can we get a firm undertaking on the delivery date?
Guarantee or warranty; can be used when the undertaking involves assuring a certain outcome.
They submitted an undertaking guaranteeing quality.
He runs an undertaking business.
A funeral home or undertaker's establishment.
I contacted the local undertaking firm.