Translation guide
The English word 'bound' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: moving quickly, being certain, being obligated, being tied or restricted, and a book binding. Each meaning has its own natural Japanese expressions.
To move forward with large steps or jumps, often energetically.
To jump, leap, or bound. Often used for animals or lively movement.
犬が庭を跳ね回っている。
The dog is bounding around the garden.
To jump up and down, to leap about. Emphasizes repeated jumping.
子供たちがトランポリンで飛び跳ねている。
The children are bounding on the trampoline.
To run swiftly, dash. Can imply bounding strides.
彼は野原を駆けていった。
He bounded across the field.
To be almost certain to happen or be true.
Expresses strong certainty: 'must be', 'no doubt'. Used in both speech and writing.
彼は成功するに違いない。
He is bound to succeed.
Adverb meaning 'without fail', 'certainly'. Often used for future events.
努力すれば必ず報われる。
If you work hard, you are bound to be rewarded.
Indicates expectation based on reason: 'should', 'ought to'. Slightly less strong than に違いない.
彼はもう着いているはずだ。
He is bound to have arrived by now.
To be forced or required to do something because of a rule, duty, or promise.
Standard expression for 'must', 'have to'. Formal and neutral.
私は契約に従わなければならない。
I am bound by the contract.
Literally 'have an obligation'. More formal, often legal or moral.
国民は法律を守る義務がある。
Citizens are bound to obey the law.
Formal/written expression meaning 'cannot help but', 'have no choice but to'. Implies external pressure.
状況が悪化したため、計画を変更せざるを得なかった。
As the situation worsened, we were bound to change the plan.
To be tied up, fastened, or confined.
To tie, bind, or fasten with rope, string, etc.
彼は手足を縛られていた。
He was bound hand and foot.
To bind, restrain, or restrict. Often used figuratively for rules or relationships.
彼は規則に束縛されている。
He is bound by the rules.
To tie, knot, or connect. Can be used for binding objects together.
The cover and spine of a book, or the process of putting pages together.
Bookbinding (noun). The process or craft of binding books.
この本は製本がしっかりしている。
This book has a sturdy binding.
Book design/binding, focusing on the aesthetic and structural aspects.
While 'bound' can mean a leaping movement, it is not the same as 'bounce' (rebound). For a ball bouncing, use 弾む (はずむ) or 跳ね返る (はねかえる).
に違いない expresses a strong subjective conviction, while はずだ is based on logical expectation. Use に違いない when you are personally sure, and はずだ when the situation logically leads to that conclusion.
I bound the package with string.
美しい装丁の本を買った。
I bought a book with a beautiful binding.