言質を取る

• Reading: げんちをとる
• Romaji: genchi wo toru
• Kanji breakdown: 言 (gen) — words | 質 (chi) — pledge | 取 (to) — to take, obtain
• Pronunciation: /ɡen.tɕi o to.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To obtain a verbal commitment; to hold someone to their word; to get a binding statement from someone.

An idiomatic expression pairing 言質 (verbal pledge) with 取る (to take, to obtain). The act implies extracting a statement that can later be used to enforce accountability. Widely used in political journalism, contract negotiations, and formal disputes. The corresponding expression from the other side is 言質を与える (to give one's word).

Examples

1. 交渉の場で相手から確かな言質を取るのが、今日の最大の目標だった。 The top priority for today was to obtain a firm verbal commitment from the other side at the negotiating table.
2. 記者たちは大臣から言質を取ろうと、鋭い質問を次々と浴びせた。 The reporters fired one sharp question after another, trying to pin the minister down to a commitment.
3. 言質を取ることなく合意したため、後になって解釈の食い違いが生じた。 Because they reached an agreement without getting a firm commitment, a disagreement over interpretation arose later on.

Usage Guide

Context: journalism, politics, law, negotiation

Tone: strategic

Origin & History

The expression builds on 言質 (verbal pledge) and 取る (to take possession of). The metaphor echoes the classical practice of taking physical collateral: here, words themselves become the security that one party extracts and holds.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated