Translation guide
The English word 'promise' covers making a commitment, giving assurance, and showing potential. In Japanese, different words and patterns are used depending on whether it's a personal promise, a formal pledge, or a sign of future success.
Expressing that you will definitely do something, often in casual or everyday contexts.
The most common word for a promise between people. Used for agreements, appointments, and commitments.
明日、映画に行く約束をした。
I promised to go to the movies tomorrow.
約束は守らなければならない。
You must keep your promises.
Pattern for 'promise to do something'. The verb before と is in dictionary form.
彼は手伝うと約束した。
He promised to help.
To break a promise.
彼はよく約束を破る。
He often breaks his promises.
To keep a promise.
約束を守ることは大切だ。
It's important to keep promises.
Expressing a serious, often public or written commitment, such as a vow or oath.
A solemn vow or oath, often used in formal contexts like weddings or official declarations.
彼らは結婚の誓いを交わした。
They exchanged wedding vows.
A written pledge or covenant, often used in legal or organizational contexts.
A public pledge, especially a campaign promise by a politician.
Describing someone or something that seems likely to succeed or develop well.
Describes a person or thing that shows great promise or potential. Often used as '有望な' (promising).
彼は有望な若手作家だ。
He is a promising young writer.
この研究はとても有望だ。
This research is very promising.
Future potential or prospects. Often used in phrases like '将来性がある' (to have a future/promise).
To have prospects or promise. Used for situations or people.
彼は成功する見込みがある。
He shows promise of success.
Emphasizing that something will definitely happen or is certain.
Means 'definitely do' or 'without fail'. Stronger than a simple promise; implies certainty.
必ず返事を書きます。
I promise to write back.
To guarantee or assure. Used when promising a certain outcome or quality.
品質は保証します。
I promise the quality.
When saying someone 'shows promise' (potential), do not use 約束. Use 有望 or 将来性 instead. 約束 is only for commitments between people.
彼は有望な選手だ。
He is a promising athlete.
約束 is a general promise between individuals, while 誓い is a solemn vow often with emotional or ceremonial weight. Use 誓い for weddings, oaths, and formal pledges.
彼は禁酒の誓約をした。
He took a pledge to abstain from alcohol.
首相は減税を公約した。
The prime minister promised tax cuts.
This company has a promising future.