誓い
chikai[t͡ɕi̥ka̠i]
The English word 'vow' is translated into Japanese as 誓い (chikai). Wiktionary also lists 誓約 (seiyaku).
Meaning: a solemn promise to perform some act, or behave in a specified manner (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 誓い | chikai | [t͡ɕi̥ka̠i] (narrow) |
| 誓約 | seiyaku | [se̞ːja̠kɯ̟] (narrow) |
A vow in Japanese can be expressed through several forms depending on whether you are referring to the concept of a solemn promise or the act of making one. The word 誓い (chikai) is the standard term for a vow or oath, frequently used in spiritual or emotional contexts such as marriage vows or religious oaths.
Which one should you use?
While 誓い (chikai) is the standard and more emotional or spiritual word for a vow or oath, 誓約 (seiyaku) is used for more formal, technical or legalistic terms, such as a written pledge or a covenant.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
chikai
Did you know?
- While English speakers often 'make' a vow, in Japanese, one often 誓いを立てる (chikai o tateru), which literally translates to 'erecting' or 'setting up' a vow like a monument.
- In traditional Japanese weddings, vows are often exchanged through the san-san-kudo ritual, where the couple drinks sake from three different cups rather than speaking a long oral vow.
- The single kanji for 'vow', 誓, can be seen in the word for 'betrayal', meaning a vow is linguistically inseparable from the possibility of breaking it.
Examples in context
- 彼との将来を誓うことにした。I decided to make a vow for the future with him.
- 結婚式でお互いに誓いを立てました。We made vows to each other at the wedding ceremony.
- 二人の誓い。Futari no chikai.The vow of the two.
- 彼は静かに誓いを立てた。Kare wa shizuka ni chikai o tateta.He made a silent vow.
- その誓いはとても重い。Sono chikai wa totemo omoi.That vow is very heavy.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are talking about their future goals.
- 結衣 Yui健太さんは、何か誓いを立てたの？Kenta-san wa, nanika chikai o tateta no?Kenta, did you make a vow?
- 健太 Kentaうん、毎日勉強すると決めたよ。un, mainichi benkyou suru to kimeta yo.Yes, I decided to study every day.
- 結衣 Yuiすごいね。応援しているよ。sugoi ne. ouen shite iru yo.That's impressive. I'm rooting for you.
- 健太 Kentaありがとう。結衣にも期待しててね。arigatou. Yui ni mo kitai shitete ne.Thanks. Yui, please look forward to it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vow” translations and entries 誓い, 誓約, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
