Translation guide
The quality of being real, authentic, or sincere. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various words and phrases depending on whether you're talking about objects, feelings, or people.
Describing something as genuine (not fake or counterfeit), such as products, art, or official papers.
The most common word for 'genuine article' or 'real thing'. Used for objects, not abstract qualities.
これは本物の革ですか。
Is this genuine leather?
その絵は本物だと証明された。
The painting was proven to be genuine.
Formal term for authenticity, often used in legal or official contexts (e.g., genuine documents, authentic goods).
真正な書類が必要です。
Genuine documents are required.
Emphatic phrase meaning 'genuine and authentic', often used for emphasis or in advertising.
これは正真正銘の日本酒です。
This is genuine Japanese sake.
Describing a person's feelings, intentions, or personality as genuine, sincere, or heartfelt.
Refers to sincerity, honesty, and faithfulness in a person's character or actions. Often used for people.
彼は誠実な人だ。
He is a sincere person.
誠実さが一番大切です。
Sincerity is most important.
Implies a pure, heartfelt sincerity, often in the context of kindness or devotion.
One's true feelings or real intention, often contrasted with outward appearance.
Literally 'without falsehood', used to describe genuine emotions or statements.
偽りのない気持ちを伝えたい。
I want to convey my genuine feelings.
Referring to the abstract concept of genuineness or authenticity, often in philosophical or evaluative contexts.
The abstract noun for authenticity, used in academic or formal discussions.
芸術作品の真正性が問われている。
The authenticity of the artwork is being questioned.
The quality of seeming genuine; 'realness'. More casual than 真正性.
この映画の本物らしさがすごい。
The genuineness of this movie is amazing.
A sense of truth or reality; verisimilitude. Often used for stories or performances.
本物 (honmono) is for tangible objects; 真正 (shinsei) is formal and often for documents or legal contexts; 誠実 (seijitsu) is for personal sincerity and character. Do not use 本物 to describe a person's sincerity.
この指輪は本物の金でできている。
This ring is made of genuine gold.
彼の誠実さには感心する。
I admire his sincerity.
English 'genuineness' is often translated as 真正性 (shinseisei), but this sounds very formal and is rarely used in daily conversation. Choose a more specific word based on context.
真心を込めて手紙を書いた。
I wrote the letter with genuine feeling.
彼の本心がわからない。
I don't know his true feelings.
彼の演技には真実味がある。
His acting has a sense of genuineness.