In 15 Seconds
- Used for issuing official or serious public announcements.
- Combines 'sengen' (declaration) with 'dasu' (to put out).
- Carries more weight and accountability than simply 'saying'.
- Commonly used in news, business, and personal resolutions.
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of making an official or public announcement. It’s like putting your foot down and telling the world—or just your friends—that a big decision has been made and there's no going back.
Key Examples
3 of 10A news report about government action
政府はついに緊急事態宣言を出した。
The government finally issued a state of emergency declaration.
A personal resolution posted on Instagram
今日から毎日ジムに行くという宣言を出します!
I'm issuing a declaration that I'll go to the gym every day from today!
A professional business meeting
新プロジェクトの開始に向けて、公式な宣言を出すべきだと思います。
I think we should issue an official declaration for the start of the new project.
Cultural Background
In Japanese society, there is a strong emphasis on 'ketsui' (determination) and making one's intentions clear to the group. Issuing a declaration (`宣言を出す`) is a cultural ritual that moves a private thought into a social commitment. This practice is rooted in the value of accountability; once an intention is 'put out' (issued), the individual is expected to uphold it to maintain their 'face' within the community. Historically, this mirrors the formal proclamations made by officials to the public, a tradition that continues today in the frequent 'emergency declarations' seen during national crises.
The 'Accountability' Hack
In Japan, using 'sengen o dasu' for your personal goals (like study or exercise) shows others you are 100% serious. It's a great way to gain respect for your determination!
Too Heavy for To-Dos
Don't use this for your daily to-do list. Saying 'I issue a declaration to buy milk' will make you sound like you're living in a Shakespearean play. Stick to big stuff.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for issuing official or serious public announcements.
- Combines 'sengen' (declaration) with 'dasu' (to put out).
- Carries more weight and accountability than simply 'saying'.
- Commonly used in news, business, and personal resolutions.
What It Means
Have you ever reached that point where you're not just 'thinking' about doing something, but you're ready to broadcast it to everyone you know? That moment of no return is exactly where 宣言を出す (sengen o dasu) lives. It’s a step above just saying something; it’s an issuance of intent.
What It Means
At its heart, 宣言を出す is about the 'issuance' of a formal statement. While 宣言する (sengen suru) is a simple verb meaning 'to declare,' using the verb 出す (dasu - to put out/emit) adds a layer of officiality. Think of it like the difference between saying 'I'm busy' and issuing an 'Official Out-of-Office Notice.' It carries weight, presence, and a certain level of public accountability. Whether it’s a government issuing a state of emergency or a roommate issuing a 'no more dirty dishes' manifesto, this phrase implies that a line has been drawn in the sand.
How To Use It
Grammatically, this is a classic 'Noun + Particle + Verb' collocation. You take the thing you are declaring, add 宣言, and then を出す. For example, 緊急事態宣言を出す (to issue a state of emergency). In more casual, modern contexts, you can apply it to your personal life by using it for resolutions or big life shifts. If you're on a Zoom call and want to tell everyone you're finally starting that side hustle, you might say it's time to 宣言を出す. The key is that 出す suggests the declaration is being sent 'out' into the world, away from the speaker and into the public domain.
Real-Life Examples
You’ll see this phrase all over Japanese news sites like NHK or in newspaper headlines. During the pandemic, 緊急事態宣言を出す was probably the most used phrase in the country. But it’s not all doom and gloom! On social media, you might see a YouTuber or influencer say, 今日、重大発表として宣言を出します! (Today, I’m issuing a declaration as a major announcement!). It’s used when someone wants to hype up a change, like a 'New Year, New Me' post on Instagram where you 'issue a declaration' to stop doom-scrolling and start gym-going.
When To Use It
Use this phrase when the announcement feels 'official.' If you are a manager at a company and you want to announce a new remote-work policy, 宣言を出す fits perfectly. It’s also great for self-improvement contexts where you want to emphasize your commitment. If you tell your friends, タバコをやめる宣言を出した (I issued a declaration that I'm quitting smoking), it sounds much more serious than just saying 'I'll quit.' It implies you've made it public, and now you have to stick to it! It’s the verbal equivalent of a 'Save the Date' card.
When NOT To Use It
Don’t use this for small, trivial things unless you are being intentionally funny. If you’re just deciding what to have for lunch, saying ラーメンを食べる宣言を出します (I issue a declaration to eat ramen) sounds like you’re a dictator of a very small, hungry country. It’s too heavy for everyday choices. Also, avoid it in very intimate, soft conversations where 伝える (tsutaeru - to convey) or 言う (iu - to say) would be much more natural. You don't 'issue a declaration' to your partner that you're going to bed—unless you're looking for a very confused stare.
Common Mistakes
The most common error is mixing up the verb. Learners often try to use 言う (iu) or 話す (hanasu) because they think 'declaring' is just 'speaking.' But a declaration is a *thing* you *issue*.
Another mistake is using 作る (tsukuru - to make). While you 'make' a declaration in English, in Japanese, you 'put it out.' If you say 宣言を作る, it sounds like you are literally crafting a physical scroll with a quill pen.
Similar Expressions
If 宣言を出す feels a bit too 'official,' you can use 宣言する (sengen suru), which is the standard verb form. For something even more formal and strictly for public announcements, 発表する (happyo suru - to announce) is common. If the declaration is more of an 'order' or 'decree,' you might see 布告する (fukoku suru), though that’s mostly for history books and fantasy anime kings. If you’re just making a strong promise to yourself, 誓う (chikau - to vow) is the emotional equivalent.
Common Variations
The most frequent variation is 〜宣言を出す. You can put almost anything before it. 独立宣言を出す (to issue a declaration of independence), 勝利宣言を出す (to issue a declaration of victory), or the very common 終戦宣言を出す (to issue a declaration of the end of a war). In the business world, you might see 提携宣言を出す (to issue a declaration of partnership). Essentially, any time a Noun + Declaration is needed, 出す is the standard delivery verb for the 'issuing' action.
Memory Trick
Imagine you are a magician on a stage. You reach into your top hat, and instead of a rabbit, you pull out a long, official-looking scroll with the word 'DECLARATION' written on it in big, bold letters. You are 'putting out' (出す) the declaration from your hat for the whole audience to see. Whenever you want to use this phrase, think of that scroll coming out of the hat. You aren't just talking; you're producing a document for the world! It's the 'Ta-da!' of Japanese announcements.
Quick FAQ
Is this only for the government? Not at all! While the government uses it for laws, individuals use it for resolutions or big life changes to show they are serious. Is it polite? Yes, it's neutral-to-formal, so you can use it in a professional setting without worrying. Can I use it for a 'Declaration of Love'? Technically, yes (愛の宣言), but it sounds very dramatic, like something from a classic 90s romance drama or a particularly intense shojo manga. Use with caution unless you have background violins playing!
Usage Notes
The phrase 'sengen o dasu' is highly formal and carries significant social weight. It is most commonly used in news media, official government announcements, and business contexts, though it can be used humorously or emphatically in personal life to show serious commitment.
The 'Accountability' Hack
In Japan, using 'sengen o dasu' for your personal goals (like study or exercise) shows others you are 100% serious. It's a great way to gain respect for your determination!
Too Heavy for To-Dos
Don't use this for your daily to-do list. Saying 'I issue a declaration to buy milk' will make you sound like you're living in a Shakespearean play. Stick to big stuff.
The 'Face' Factor
Because a declaration is 'issued' (dasu) publicly, failing to follow through can cause a loss of 'face'. Only issue a declaration when you are ready to be held accountable!
Zoom/Remote Nuance
In online meetings, if you want to make a firm point, you can say 'ここで一つ宣言を出させてください' (Please let me issue one declaration here) to grab everyone's attention.
Examples
10政府はついに緊急事態宣言を出した。
The government finally issued a state of emergency declaration.
This is the most standard, high-level use of the phrase in media.
今日から毎日ジムに行くという宣言を出します!
I'm issuing a declaration that I'll go to the gym every day from today!
Using the phrase for a personal goal adds a sense of public accountability.
新プロジェクトの開始に向けて、公式な宣言を出すべきだと思います。
I think we should issue an official declaration for the start of the new project.
Suggests a formal kickoff to ensure everyone is on the same page.
もう彼には連絡しないって、自分の中で宣言を出したんだ。
I issued a declaration to myself that I won't contact him anymore.
Using 'to myself' makes a serious resolution feel more personal.
今日からこの部屋でのポテチ禁止宣言を出すよ!
I'm issuing a 'no potato chips allowed' declaration for this room starting today!
The formal phrase used for a silly rule creates a funny contrast.
✗ 彼は大きな宣言を話した。 → ✓ 彼は大きな宣言を出した。
He said a big declaration. → He issued a big declaration.
You can't 'speak' (hanasu) a declaration; you must 'issue' (dasu) it.
✗ 明日、禁煙の宣言を作ります。 → ✓ 明日、禁煙の宣言を出します。
Tomorrow, I will make a declaration to quit smoking. → Tomorrow, I will issue a declaration to quit smoking.
Don't use 'tsukuru' (make) for declarations in Japanese; 'dasu' (issue) is the correct collocation.
ついに第一志望の大学に合格!ここで勝利宣言を出します!
Finally passed my top-choice university! Issuing my victory declaration here!
Common way to announce a big win on social media.
両社は、パートナーシップの強化に関する共同宣言を出した。
Both companies issued a joint declaration regarding the strengthening of their partnership.
Standard phrase for official corporate communications.
地域の安全を守るため、新しい防犯宣言を出しましょう。
Let's issue a new crime prevention declaration to protect our local safety.
Calls for collective action through a formal statement.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct verb particle and form.
The noun 'sengen' (declaration) naturally takes the object particle 'o' and the verb 'dasu' (to issue).
Find and fix the incorrect verb.
While you talk *about* goals, a 'declaration' (sengen) is 'issued' (dasu), not 'spoken' (hanasu).
Choose the most natural sentence for a formal business context.
Which of these is appropriate for a company's official announcement?
In professional settings, 'dasu' is the standard verb for issuing official statements like policies.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'Making a Declaration'
Just saying something out loud to friends.
言う (iu)
Stating an intention clearly.
宣言する (sengen suru)
Issuing an official, public statement.
宣言を出す (sengen o dasu)
Diplomatic or legal proclamations.
布告する (fukoku suru)
Where you'll see '宣言を出す'
Prime Minister on News
緊急事態宣言を出す
Influencer Update
重大発表の宣言を出す
Corporate Press Release
新戦略の宣言を出す
Personal Resolution
禁煙宣言を出す
Sports Headline
優勝宣言を出す
Declaration vs. Announcement
Types of Declarations
Government/Legal
- • 緊急事態宣言
- • 独立宣言
- • 不戦宣言
Personal/Social
- • 禁煙宣言
- • ダイエット宣言
- • 勝利宣言
Business/Team
- • 共同宣言
- • 提携宣言
- • 方針宣言
Practice Bank
3 exercises政府が緊急事態___を出しました。
The noun 'sengen' (declaration) naturally takes the object particle 'o' and the verb 'dasu' (to issue).
Find and fix the mistake:
新年の目標について、友達に宣言を話した。
While you talk *about* goals, a 'declaration' (sengen) is 'issued' (dasu), not 'spoken' (hanasu).
Which of these is appropriate for a company's official announcement?
In professional settings, 'dasu' is the standard verb for issuing official statements like policies.
🎉 Score: /3
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
20 questions'Sengen o suru' is the general verb meaning 'to declare,' while 'sengen o dasu' emphasizes the act of 'issuing' an official statement. Using 'dasu' makes the declaration feel more like a public announcement or a formal document being released to an audience.
Yes, it is very common to use this phrase for New Year's resolutions when you want to emphasize your commitment. By saying you 'issued a declaration' to your friends or on social media, you are making your goal a public promise rather than just a private thought.
The phrase itself is neutral-to-formal, but the grammar needs to be adjusted for politeness. If you are telling your boss about a team decision, you should use 'sengen o dashimasu' or 'sengen o okonaimasu' to ensure you sound professional and respectful of their position.
In Japanese, a declaration is treated as an object that is 'emitted' or 'put out' rather than just 'spoken.' Using 'iu' (to say) with 'sengen' sounds unnatural because it misses the nuance of the declaration being a formal, separate entity that is being presented to the world.
It can be used in the term 'Ai no sengen' (Declaration of Love), but it sounds very dramatic and slightly old-fashioned. It’s more likely to be found in a dramatic movie scene or a lighthearted joke than in a real, modern confession of feelings between two people.
This is the official terminology for 'issuing a state of emergency.' It was heard daily in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic and refers to the government's formal announcement of restricted activities to protect public health and safety.
Absolutely! It is often used as 'Shori sengen o dasu' (to declare victory). For example, a coach might issue a victory declaration before a big game to show confidence, or a player might do it after scoring a winning point.
You can say 'Jibun no naka de sengen o dashita' (I issued a declaration within myself). This implies a very strong, firm mental commitment that you treat as if it were a public announcement, making it harder for you to break that promise.
Yes, it's very popular on social media for 'announcement' style posts. If you're starting a new challenge or making a big change, starting your video with a 'declaration' creates a sense of excitement and tells your followers that something important is happening.
A 'Kyodo sengen' is a 'Joint Declaration.' This occurs when two parties, such as two companies or two countries, release a single, unified statement. You would use 'Kyodo sengen o dasu' to describe the moment they release that shared agreement to the public.
Yes, in competitive gaming or streaming, you might hear a player 'issue a declaration' to win the tournament or to complete a difficult challenge. It adds a layer of 'hype' and shows the audience that the player is truly focused on their goal.
Children might use it in a playful or dramatic way, like 'I declare no more vegetables!' (Yasai kirai sengen o dasu!). However, it's generally a more mature phrase that adults use for serious life events or professional announcements, rather than everyday kid-talk.
'Sengen' (declaration) focuses on intent, will, and commitment, whereas 'happyo' (announcement) is more about sharing information or results. You 'declare' your intention to quit, but you 'announce' the date of the company party or the results of an exam.
It conjugates like any regular 'u-verb.' You use 'dashita' for the past tense (issued), 'dashimasu' for the polite present (will issue), and 'dashiteiru' if the declaration is currently in effect or in the process of being issued.
No, because 'dasu' implies putting something out for others to see. A declaration is by definition public or at least shared. If you want to talk about a secret, you would use 'uchiaeru' (to confide) or just 'hanasu' (to tell), but never 'sengen o dasu'.
It can sound firm and assertive, but not necessarily aggressive. It depends on the context. In a business setting, it sounds decisive and organized. In a personal setting, it sounds motivated. Only if the content itself is aggressive (like a declaration of war) would the phrase feel that way.
There isn't a direct single-word opposite, but you could use 'tekkhai suru' (to withdraw) or 'torikesu' (to cancel) if you want to say you are taking back a declaration that you previously issued to the public.
No, this is a common mistake for English speakers who think of 'making' a declaration. In Japanese, you 'issue' it. Using 'tsukuru' (to make) makes it sound like you are physically building the declaration out of materials, which doesn't make sense for a statement.
Yes! Characters often issue declarations of war, victory, or their personal 'path' or 'ninja way.' It's a high-drama phrase that fits perfectly into the intense monologues and announcements typical of many popular anime series and manga chapters.
You can use it to show your career focus. For example, 'I have issued a declaration to myself to become an expert in this field' (Kono bunya no senmonka ni naru to sengen o dashiteimasu). It shows the interviewer that you have a clear, public-facing goal and strong motivation.
Related Phrases
宣言する
related topicto declare
This is the simpler verb form of the phrase, used when the 'issuance' nuance isn't as necessary.
発表する
related topicto announce
Used for sharing news or information, whereas 'sengen' is specifically about intent or commitment.
布告する
formal versionto proclaim / decree
A much more formal and historically flavored version used for official laws or royal decrees.
誓う
related topicto vow
Focuses on the internal or spiritual promise, while 'sengen' focus on the public nature of the statement.
公表する
related topicto make public
Emphasizes the act of making information available to the public, often used in business or legal contexts.