How to say "confession" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 告白こくはくnoun, suru verb, transitive verbThe general word for openly admitting something one has done — a crime, a wrongdoing, a fault. It is also the word for confessing one's feelings, as in a confession of love.
- 自白じはくnoun, suru verb, transitive verbA confession of one's own crime or guilt, typically a suspect's admission under police questioning; the word of interrogations and criminal cases.
- 懺悔ざんげnoun, suru verb, transitive verbA confession of sins made in a spirit of repentance; the religious sense of the word, carrying guilt and the wish to be forgiven.
- 白状はくじょうnoun, suru verb, transitive verbOwning up to something one has kept hidden; the word has a forceful edge, often used in pressing someone to come clean and confess.
- 自供じきょうnoun, suru verb, transitive verbA confession of one's own crime, typically made to the police; close to 自白, and used when the culprit himself owns up to the deed.
Use 告白 for openly admitting a crime, wrongdoing, or even one's feelings; 自白 and 自供 for confessing one's own crime to the police; 懺悔 for repentant, religious confession of sins; 白状 for owning up under pressure.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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