Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Vow" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "vow", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
誓約
せいやく (seiyaku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
三昧耶
さんまや
C2PLUS / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "vow" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 誓約 and 三昧耶.
In Japanese, 誓約 (せいやく (seiyaku)) is typically associated with "vow; promise; solemn pledge; covenant; binding agreement" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a vow, solemn pledge, covenant, or binding agreement made formally in writing or before authority. Often used as 誓約書.
On the other hand, 三昧耶 (さんまや) maps to "A vow or precept in esoteric Buddhism; transliteration of Sanskrit 'samaya'" (Syllabus Level: C2PLUS) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2PLUS vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "vow" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "誓約"
入社にあたり、新入社員は会社の機密情報を第三者に漏洩しない旨の_______書に署名捺印しました。
Upon joining the company, the new employees signed and sealed a written pledge stating that they would not leak the company's secret information to third parties.
Bilingual Context for "三昧耶"
私は三昧耶に興味があります。
I am interested in A vow or precept in esoteric Buddhism; transliteration of Sanskrit 'samaya'.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "入社にあたり、新入社員は会社の機密情報を第三者に漏洩しない旨の_______書に署名捺印しました。" (Meaning: "Upon joining the company, the new employees signed and sealed a written pledge stating that they would not leak the company's secret information to third parties.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "誓約" fits here because it means "vow; promise; solemn pledge; covenant; binding agreement" in the context of: "Upon joining the company, the new employees signed and sealed a written pledge stating that they would not leak the company's secret information to third parties.". "三昧耶" represents "A vow or precept in esoteric Buddhism; transliteration of Sanskrit 'samaya'".