指切り
yubikiri[jɯ̟bʲikʲiɾʲi]
The English phrase 'pinky promise' is translated into Japanese as 指切り (yubikiri). If unsure, use 指切り. Wiktionary also lists 指切りげんまん (yubikiri genman).
Meaning: promise made by entwining pinky fingers (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 指切り | yubikiri | [jɯ̟bʲikʲiɾʲi] (narrow) |
| 指切りげんまん | yubikiri genman |
指切り (yubikiri) is a noun referring to a promise made by entwining pinky fingers. 指切りげんまん (yubikiri genman) refers specifically to the rhythmic chant used to seal such a promise.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 指切り literally means 'finger cutting'.
Which one should you use?
指切り refers to the act or the noun of the pinky promise itself, whereas 指切りげんまん is the specific chant used during the ritual.
How do you pronounce it?
yubikiri
When do people say it?
指切りげんまん is a rhythmic chant typically used by children to make a binding, playful pact. The chant includes a ritualistic threat that if the promise is broken, the speaker will swallow a thousand needles.
Did you know?
- While English speakers use a pinky promise to show affection or friendship, the Japanese term's etymology is linked to historical practices of cutting off fingers to prove sincerity.
- The word げんまん in the chant 指切りげんまん comes from an archaic term for a 'penalty' or 'fine' paid for breaking a contract.
- In Japanese pop culture, anime and manga often use the 指切り gesture to signify a lifelong bond or a tragic vow that cannot be broken.
Examples in context
- ゆびきりするね！Let's do a pinky promise!
- ゆびきりするから、絶対に守るよ！I'll do a pinky promise, and I will definitely keep it!
- これは指切りの約束だよ。Kore wa yubikiri no yakusoku dayo.This is a pinky promise.
- 指切りをして約束しよう。Yubikiri o shite yakusoku shiyou.Let's make a pinky promise.
- 指切りは絶対に守らなきゃ。Yubikiri wa zettai ni mamoranakya.You must definitely keep a pinky promise.
Example conversation
Two childhood friends are making a promise before parting ways.
- 美咲 Misaki明日、必ず遊びに来るって指切りして。Ashita, kanarazu asobi ni kuru tte yubikiri shite.Make a pinky promise that you will definitely come to play tomorrow.
- 健太 Kentaわかった、指切りしよう。Wakatta, yubikiri shiyou.Okay, let's do a pinky promise.
- 美咲 Misaki健太くん、指切りげんまんね。Kenta-kun, yubikiri genman ne.Kenta, pinky promise, no take-backs.
- 健太 Kenta約束だよ、美咲。Yakusoku dayo, Misaki.It's a promise, Misaki.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pinky promise” translations and entries 指切り, 指切りげんまん, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
