Translation guide
Expresses sincerity, authenticity, or truthfulness. Japanese often conveys this through adverbs, set phrases, or by embedding sincerity into the verb or context rather than using a single direct equivalent.
To stress that a feeling, statement, or action is sincere and not pretended.
The most common and versatile way to say 'genuinely' or 'truly'. Works in both casual and formal contexts.
Literally 'from the heart'. Emphasizes deep, heartfelt sincerity. Often used in emotional contexts.
心から謝ります。
I genuinely apologize.
心から感謝しています。
I'm genuinely thankful.
Formal/literary. Means 'truly' or 'genuinely' in a profound sense. Used in writing or formal speeches.
真に申し訳なく思います。
I am genuinely sorry.
To assert that something is true, not a lie or exaggeration.
Again, the default choice. Can be used for both sincerity and factual truth.
Means 'actually' or 'in reality'. Used to confirm that something is factually true, not just claimed.
Very casual/slang. Used among friends to mean 'seriously' or 'for real'. Can sound flippant in formal settings.
マジで言ってるの？
Are you being genuine?
To describe an action performed with authenticity, without pretense.
Means 'with heart/sincerity'. Often used when making something, giving a gift, or performing an action with genuine care.
心を込めて料理を作った。
I cooked the meal genuinely (with love).
More emphatic version of 心を込めて, meaning 'with true heart/sincerity'. Sounds slightly more formal or earnest.
真心を込めてお礼を申し上げます。
I express my genuine gratitude.
Means 'honestly' or 'frankly', often implying without hiding one's true feelings. Used when admitting something or expressing emotions openly.
素直に嬉しいと言った。
I genuinely said I was happy.
In English, 'genuinely' is sometimes used as an intensifier ('I genuinely don't know'). In Japanese, overusing 本当に can sound unnatural or overly dramatic. Often, the sincerity is implied by context or conveyed through verb choice (e.g., 思う vs. 信じる).
本当に is a general-purpose intensifier for truth/sincerity. 心から specifically emphasizes heartfelt emotion. Use 心から for apologies, thanks, or deep feelings; 本当に for factual truth or mild sincerity.
実際に起こったことです。
It genuinely happened.