Translation guide
The English word 'commitment' covers several distinct ideas: a promise or obligation, dedication to a cause or person, and the act of committing something. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
A pledge or duty to do something, often in personal or professional contexts.
The most common word for a promise or commitment between people. Used in everyday situations.
彼は約束を守った。
He kept his commitment.
約束を破らないでください。
Please don't break your commitment.
Responsibility or duty, often implying a formal or moral commitment. Used in work or social contexts.
彼はそのプロジェクトに対する責任を果たした。
He fulfilled his commitment to the project.
Loanword from English, used mainly in business or technical contexts. Can sound stiff in casual conversation.
経営陣は品質向上へのコミットメントを示した。
Management showed a commitment to quality improvement.
Strong devotion or loyalty, such as to a job, partner, or belief.
Selfless dedication or devotion, often to a cause, work, or person. Implies giving oneself fully.
彼女の仕事への献身は素晴らしい。
Her commitment to her work is admirable.
Enthusiasm and passion, often used to describe commitment in a positive, energetic sense.
To tackle something seriously; conveys a strong commitment to an effort or task.
彼は問題解決に真剣に取り組んでいる。
He is committed to solving the problem.
Loyalty or fidelity, often used in formal or dramatic contexts (e.g., to a country, leader, or partner).
The action of allocating or dedicating something, such as money, time, or effort.
To invest or commit resources (time, money, people). Commonly used in business.
会社は新製品の開発に多額の資金を投入した。
The company committed significant funds to developing the new product.
To spend or expend (time, effort). Emphasizes the consumption of resources for a purpose.
彼はその研究に多くの時間を費やした。
He committed a lot of time to the research.
Entrusting or committing something to someone's care. Formal, often used in legal or business contexts.
Entering into a binding agreement or long-term arrangement.
A contract or formal agreement. Used for legal or business commitments.
彼らは長期契約を結んだ。
They made a long-term commitment.
A pledge or vow, often used in formal or ceremonial contexts (e.g., marriage vows, oaths).
Idiom meaning to settle down (e.g., get married, take a stable job). Implies a life commitment.
In many everyday situations, Japanese speakers express commitment through actions or context rather than a single noun. For example, instead of saying 'I have a commitment,' it's more natural to specify the event or promise: 「先約があります」(I have a prior engagement). Using コミットメント in casual speech can sound unnatural or overly business-like.
約束 is a personal promise, often between individuals. 責任 implies a duty or responsibility, often with social or moral weight. Use 約束 for informal commitments and 責任 for formal obligations.
友達との約束を守る。
Keep a promise to a friend.
親としての責任を果たす。
Fulfill one's responsibility as a parent.
先約があるので行けません。
I can't come because I have a prior commitment.
Natural way to decline an invitation by referring to a previous promise.
彼女は勉強に非常に熱心だ。
She shows great commitment to her studies.
Using 熱心 (enthusiastic) is more natural than a direct translation of 'commitment'.
His commitment to volunteering is genuine.
彼は会社に忠誠を誓った。
He pledged his commitment to the company.
The task was committed to an external party.
結婚の誓約を交わした。
They exchanged marriage commitments.
I'm thinking about making a commitment (settling down) soon.