Meaning and Usage
"保証" (ほしょう) means "guarantee," "assurance," or "warranty." It is commonly used in contexts involving promises or assurances about quality, safety, or financial responsibility.
Common Contexts
You will often see "保証" in product warranties, financial guarantees, and safety assurances. For example, a product might have a "一年間の保証" (one-year warranty), or someone might "借金を保証する" (guarantee a debt).
Collocations and Patterns
- "保証がつく" — to come with a guarantee or warranty, often used for products.
- "保証人" — guarantor, a person who guarantees a loan or obligation.
- "安全を保証する" — to guarantee safety, often used in formal or official contexts.
Register and Nuance
"保証" is a formal noun and is often used in business, legal, or official settings. It is less common in casual conversation unless discussing contracts or warranties.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "保証" with "保障" (also pronounced ほしょう), which means "security" or "protection" in a broader social or legal sense. Remember that "保証" focuses on guarantees or warranties, especially in contracts or promises.