Japanese word

誓う

Pronunciation

Romajichikau

Meaning

  • verbswear

Example

私は本当のことを言うと誓います。watashi wa hon tō no ko to o yū to chika i ma su

I swear to tell the truth.

Illustration for 誓う (swear)

More examples

彼は二度と同じ間違いをしないと誓いました。kare wa ni do to ona ji ma chiga i o shi na i to chika i ma shi ta

He swore that he would never make the same mistake again.

Core concept

Expresses a solemn commitment to carry out an action or remain true to a statement.

Common phrases

  • 神に誓うkami ni chika u

    swear to God

  • 心に誓うkokoro ni chika u

    vow in one's heart

Similar words

約束するyakusokusuru: To give one's word that something will be done or maintained.
宣誓するsenseisuru: To make a solemn promise in a formal setting.
誓約するseiyakusuru: To make a serious commitment that carries a strong sense of duty.

Definition in Japanese

真実または約束した事を守ると固く約束する。shin jitsu ma ta wa yaku soku shi ta koto o mamo ru to kata ku yaku soku su ru

Word origin

誓う (chikau) is a native Japanese verb, and its related noun 誓い (chikai, "oath") names the solemn promise expressed by the verb.

Usage tips

  • The phrase I swear often emphasizes that a statement is true, not only that a future action will happen.

Other meanings

  • pledgeverb
  • vowverb

Related words

  • 誓いchikaioathnoun

Word lists with this word