Translation guide
The English word "oath" covers solemn promises, legal affirmations, and profane exclamations. In Japanese, different words and expressions are used depending on the context: formal vows, courtroom oaths, casual promises, or swear words.
A serious, often formal promise to do something or to tell the truth, such as in ceremonies, official positions, or personal commitments.
General term for a vow or oath. Can be used in both formal and personal contexts.
彼は医者としての誓いを立てた。
He took the oath as a doctor.
私たちは永遠の愛を誓った。
We swore an oath of eternal love.
Formal oath, especially in legal, official, or ceremonial contexts (e.g., courtroom, inauguration).
大統領は就任宣誓を行った。
The president took the oath of office.
証人は法廷で宣誓した。
The witness swore an oath in court.
Written or formal pledge, often used in contracts or agreements.
彼は秘密保持の誓約書にサインした。
He signed a written oath of confidentiality.
Common phrase meaning "to make an oath" or "to swear an oath."
彼らは忠誠の誓いを立てた。
They swore an oath of loyalty.
Verb meaning "to swear" or "to vow." Used in both casual and formal settings.
神に誓って真実を話します。
I swear by God to tell the truth.
彼は復讐を誓った。
He swore an oath of revenge.
Using "oath" to mean a swear word or curse, often in the phrase "to utter an oath."
Abusive language, cursing. Often used in the phrase 悪態をつく (to curse/swear).
彼は怒って悪態をついた。
He uttered an oath in anger.
Swear words, profanity. More descriptive than 悪態.
彼の口から罵り言葉が飛び出した。
Oaths flew from his mouth.
Dirty words, foul language. General term for profanity.
そんな汚い言葉を使うな。
Don't use such oaths.
Specifically the oath taken in court to tell the truth.
To take an oath, especially in a legal setting.
証人は真実を述べることを宣誓した。
The witness swore an oath to tell the truth.
Sworn testimony; testimony given under oath.
彼は宣誓証言で嘘をついた。
He lied in his sworn testimony.
誓い (ちかい) is a general vow or oath, used in personal and formal contexts. 宣誓 (せんせい) is specifically a formal, often public oath (e.g., in court, inauguration). 誓約 (せいやく) is a written pledge or covenant, often used in legal or contractual situations.
In English, "oath" can mean a swear word. In Japanese, do not use 誓い for this meaning. Instead, use 悪態 (あくたい) or 罵り言葉 (ののしりことば). Saying 誓いをつく would not be understood as cursing.
彼は就任宣誓を行った。
He took an oath of office.
彼女は真実を話すことを誓った。
She swore an oath to tell the truth.
彼は小声で悪態をついた。
He muttered an oath under his breath.