保証

• Reading: ほしょう
• Romaji: hoshou
• Kanji breakdown: 保 (ho) — preserve, maintain; 証 (shou) — proof, evidence, certificate
• Pronunciation: /ho.ɕoː/

Meaning

Guarantee; warranty; assurance. A promise that something is true, reliable, or will be repaired.

A noun and suru verb (保証する, to guarantee). Important to distinguish from homophones: 保障 (protection of rights/security) and 補償 (compensation for damage). Common patterns: 品質を保証する (guarantee quality), 保証書 (warranty certificate), 保証期間 (warranty period), 保証人 (guarantor).

Examples

1. この製品には一年間の保証が付いています。 This product comes with a one-year warranty.
2. 成功を保証することはできないが全力を尽くす。 I can't guarantee success, but I'll do my best.
3. アパートを借りるために保証人が必要だった。 I needed a guarantor to rent an apartment.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, business, legal

Tone: formal

Origin & History

Compound of 保 (ho, to preserve/maintain) and 証 (shou, proof/evidence). Together, 'maintaining proof' — backing up a claim with assurance.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal