Translation guide
The English adverb "formally" can be expressed in Japanese through various adverbs, set phrases, and grammatical constructions depending on the context. It often relates to official procedures, polite speech, or ceremonial settings.
Describing an action done according to official rules, procedures, or protocols.
The most common and direct translation for 'formally' in official contexts, such as ceremonies, agreements, or procedures.
契約は正式に締結されました。
The contract was formally concluded.
He was formally inaugurated as president.
Used when something is done in an official capacity or publicly, often by an organization or authority.
政府は公式に声明を発表した。
The government formally issued a statement.
Implies doing something as a matter of form or for the sake of procedure, sometimes with a nuance of perfunctoriness.
会議は形式的に行われただけだった。
The meeting was held merely formally.
Describing behavior, speech, or dress that follows social conventions of politeness or ceremony.
Used when someone behaves or speaks in a stiff, formal way, often due to the occasion. Can also mean 'solemnly'.
彼は改まって私に謝罪した。
He formally apologized to me.
改まった場では敬語を使います。
In formal settings, we use honorific language.
Means 'politely' or 'courteously', often overlapping with 'formally' in social interactions.
彼は礼儀正しくお辞儀をした。
He bowed formally.
Loanword from English, used for dress codes, events, or styles that are formal.
今夜はフォーマルにドレスアップしてください。
Please dress formally tonight.
Referring to the outward form, structure, or appearance rather than the substance.
Used to contrast form with content, meaning 'formally speaking' or 'in form'.
形式的には正しいが、実用的ではない。
Formally correct, but not practical.
Literally 'on the surface', used to indicate that something is true in form but perhaps not in reality.
形の上では彼が責任者だ。
Formally, he is the person in charge.
Expressing that speech or writing uses polite or formal registers, such as です・ます or honorifics.
In Japanese, speaking formally often means using the polite です・ます endings instead of plain forms. This is the most basic way to sound formal.
For higher formality, use 尊敬語 (respectful) or 謙譲語 (humble) forms. This is common in business or when speaking to superiors.
社長はいらっしゃいますか？
Is the company president here? (formal/honorific)
お待ちしております。
We are waiting. (formal/humble)
The phrase meaning 'to speak formally (using honorific language)'.
目上の人には敬語で話します。
Speak formally to superiors.
English 'formally' can be ambiguous. In Japanese, you must choose the right word based on whether you mean officially, politely, or structurally. Using 正式に for polite speech would be unnatural.
正式に emphasizes adherence to proper procedure or ceremony. 公式に emphasizes official recognition or public announcement by an authority. For example, a wedding is 正式に, but a government statement is 公式に.
To speak formally, use です・ます form as a baseline. For business or very polite situations, incorporate 敬語 (honorific/humble language). Avoid plain forms (だ, である) unless in specific written contexts.
彼は正式に辞任を発表した。
He formally announced his resignation.
イベントにはフォーマルな服装でお越しください。
Please dress formally for the event.
協定は正式に署名された。
The agreement was formally signed.