Translation guide
An 'empty promise' is a commitment made without the intention or ability to follow through. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific nouns, verbs, and idiomatic phrases that emphasize the hollowness or insincerity of the promise.
To describe a promise that was never meant to be kept, often to placate or deceive someone.
Literally 'empty bill/note', this noun refers to a promise or statement that is not backed by action or substance. Commonly used in business and personal contexts.
To express the action of making a promise one doesn't intend to keep.
A verb phrase meaning 'to issue an empty bill', i.e., to make a promise one cannot or will not fulfill. Often used in formal or business contexts.
彼はまた空手形を振り出した。
He made another empty promise.
空手形 is a noun that can be used in formal contexts and carries a nuance of a promise that is not backed by substance, like a bad check. 口先だけの約束 is more colloquial and directly accuses the speaker of insincerity.
The direct translation '空の約束' is not natural Japanese. Use the expressions provided instead.
What he said turned out to be an empty promise.
A phrase meaning 'a promise that is only lip service'. It emphasizes that the words are empty and not backed by genuine intent.
彼は口先だけの約束をして、何もしなかった。
He made empty promises and did nothing.
A compound noun literally meaning 'empty promise'. Less common than 空手形 but directly translates the concept.
政治家の空約束に騙されないでください。
Don't be fooled by politicians' empty promises.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'a rice cake drawn in a picture' – something that looks good but is useless in reality. Can be used for promises that are impractical or unfulfillable.
彼の計画は絵に描いた餅だ。
His plan is just an empty promise.
A verb phrase meaning 'to promise with just one's lips', i.e., to make a promise insincerely.
彼は口先だけで約束する癖がある。
He has a habit of making empty promises.
A straightforward verb phrase meaning 'to make an empty promise'. Less idiomatic but clear.
彼はよく空約束をする。
He often makes empty promises.