How to say "pledge" in Japanese

Choosing the right word
  • 誓約せいやくCommon
    noun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers a pledge in the sense of a binding promise or agreement, typically made in contractual or formal dealings. It fits pledges involving obligations between parties rather than a simple spoken vow.
    結婚けっこん生活せいかつがうまく行いっていない方ほうは結婚式けっこんしきの時ときにおごそかに神かみの前まえに誓ちかった、夫婦ふうふの誓約せいやくを思い出おもいだしてみましょう。↗
    And to the people whose married life is not going well, let's remember the marriage covenant sworn solemnly before God at the wedding ceremony.
  • 宣誓せんせいCommon
    noun, suru verb, transitive verbA pledge in the sense of a solemn, formal oath — the act of swearing, as in court or on taking office. Choose it when the 'pledge' is a ceremonial or official oath.
    彼かれは市長しちょうに宣誓せんせい就任しゅうにんした。↗
    He was sworn in as mayor.
  • 盟約めいやくCommon
    noun, suru verb, transitive verbA formal or literary term for a pledge in the sense of a pact or covenant between parties. It suggests a solemn, binding commitment rather than a casual promise.
    彼かれらは盟約めいやくしているかのように一致いっちして行動こうどうした。↗
    They acted together as if by compact.
  • 言質げんちCommon
    nounA pledge in the sense of a commitment or promise one can be held to — words given as a guarantee that can be invoked later.
    彼かれは言質げんちをとられた。↗
    He got himself committed to it.
  • 誓約書せいやくしょCommon
    nounA pledge in written form — the document itself, a written oath or covenant. Use this when English 'pledge' refers to the document rather than the act of promising.

誓約 covers a pledge as a binding promise or agreement, 宣誓 a solemn, formal oath, 盟約 a formal or literary pact or covenant, 言質 a promise you can be held to, and 誓約書 a written pledge.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

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