Japanese word

白状

Pronunciation

Romajihakujō

Meaning

  • nounconfession

Example

彼は先生に白状しました。kare wa sen sei ni haku jō shi ma shi ta

He confessed to his teacher.

Illustration for 白状 (confession)

More examples

彼は友達に秘密を白状しました。kare wa tomo dachi ni hi mitsu o haku jō shi ma shi ta

He confessed his secret to his friend.

Core concept

It marks the point at which a concealed matter is brought into the open, especially when the speaker bears responsibility for it.

Common phrases

  • 白状するhaku jō su ru

    confess

  • 白状を迫るhaku jō o sema ru

    press for a confession

Similar words

自白jihaku: An admission of a crime or wrongdoing, often made to authorities.
告白kokuhaku: A declaration of feelings, beliefs, or a concealed fact.

Definition in Japanese

人に知られないように隠していた事柄を、正直に打ち明けること。hito ni shi ra re na i yō ni kaku shi te i ta koto gara o shō jiki ni u chi a ke ru ko to

Word origin

白状 (hakujō) is formed from 白 (haku, "clear") and 状 (jō, "circumstances"), so its original sense is to make one's circumstances clear.

Usage tips

  • Unlike 告白 (kokuhaku), which can refer to declaring love or faith, 白状 (hakujō) usually focuses on admitting a concealed fact or fault.

Other meanings

  • admissionnoun

Word lists with this word