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.
言質を取られないように気をつけた。
I was careful not to let them pin me down to a commitment.
大臣の発言は言質と受け止められた。
The minister's statement was taken as a verbal commitment.
相手の言質を取ってから交渉を進めた方がいい。
It's better to get a verbal commitment from the other party before proceeding with negotiations.
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.
READING NOTE:
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.