Translation guide
A warranty is a guarantee about a product's quality or durability, often promising free repair or replacement within a set period. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through specific nouns and verbs, and the way you talk about it depends on whether you're referring to the document, the coverage period, or the act of guaranteeing.
Referring to the written guarantee that comes with a product, or the coverage it provides.
The most common word for a warranty document or certificate. It's the physical or digital paper that states the terms.
保証書をなくしてしまいました。
I lost the warranty card.
この製品には保証書が付いています。
This product comes with a warranty card.
A broader term meaning 'guarantee' or 'warranty'. It can refer to the coverage itself rather than the document. Often used in compounds.
この時計には2年間の保証がついています。
This watch comes with a two-year warranty.
Specifically 'quality assurance' or 'quality warranty'. More formal and often used in business or manufacturing contexts.
当社の製品はすべて品質保証付きです。
All our products come with a quality warranty.
Talking about the length of time a warranty is valid.
The standard term for 'warranty period'. Used in both formal and everyday contexts.
保証期間は購入日から1年間です。
The warranty period is one year from the date of purchase.
保証期間が切れてしまいました。
The warranty has expired.
Describing something that is still covered by a warranty.
Means 'within the warranty period'. Often used with です or だ.
まだ保証期間内だから、修理は無料だよ。
It's still under warranty, so the repair is free.
Literally 'the warranty is effective'. A natural way to say something is covered by warranty.
この故障は保証が効きますか？
Is this malfunction covered by the warranty?
Asking or stating what the warranty includes or excludes.
Means 'covered by warranty' or 'subject to warranty'. Used in formal explanations.
自然故障は保証の対象となります。
Natural malfunctions are covered by the warranty.
Means 'not covered by warranty'. Common in warranty terms and conditions.
落下による破損は保証対象外です。
Damage caused by dropping is not covered by the warranty.
Referring to an optional extended warranty you can purchase.
The standard term for 'extended warranty'. Often offered at electronics stores.
延長保証に入っておいたほうがいいですよ。
You should get the extended warranty.
Using 'warrant' as a verb, meaning to promise or assure something.
The verb form meaning 'to guarantee' or 'to warrant'. Can be used for products or abstract promises.
この製品の品質を保証します。
We warrant the quality of this product.
彼の誠実さは私が保証する。
I can warrant his honesty.
These three words are all read ほしょう but have different meanings. 保証 is for product guarantees, 保障 is for social security or protection of rights, and 補償 is for financial compensation for damages. Using the wrong kanji can change the meaning completely.
社会保障 (social security)
social security
損害補償 (compensation for damages)
compensation for damages
In English, 'warranty' and 'guarantee' are sometimes used interchangeably, but in Japanese, 保証 covers both concepts. For a money-back guarantee, you might see 返金保証 (refund guarantee). For a lifetime warranty, 永久保証 is used.