1.
verbal commitment, pledge, guarantee given in words
A spoken promise or commitment that can later be held against the speaker. Often used in political and business contexts where someone's words are treated as a binding promise. Implies that the speaker can be held accountable for what they said.
Common collocations
- 言質を取る: to get a verbal commitment from someone
- 言質を取られる: to have one's words held against one
- 言質を与える: to give a verbal commitment
Usage
Almost always appears in the patterns 言質を取る or 言質を取られる. The word implies strategic awareness — getting someone on the record so their promise can later be enforced, or being careful not to make statements that could be used against you. Common in political reporting, business negotiations, and legal discussions.
Pronunciation
The standard reading is げんち, though げんしち is also sometimes seen. げんち is far more common in modern usage.