Translation guide
The English word "sincere" describes genuine, honest feelings or actions without pretense. In Japanese, expressing sincerity often involves specific adjectives, verbs, and set phrases that convey earnestness, honesty, and wholeheartedness. This guide covers common ways to express sincerity in various contexts.
Describing a person, attitude, or action that is free from deceit or hypocrisy.
The most direct and common adjective for 'sincere' in the sense of being honest, faithful, and genuine in character or actions. Often used for people and their attitudes.
He is a sincere person.
To interact with a sincere attitude.
Conveys earnestness and seriousness. Often used in formal or written contexts to describe a sincere effort, attitude, or approach.
To approach work with a sincere attitude.
Means 'frank' or 'candid'. Used when sincerity is expressed through straightforward, honest communication without hiding one's thoughts.
Please give me your sincere (frank) opinion.
Literally 'filled with true heart'. Describes actions or words that are heartfelt and sincere, often used for gifts, letters, or hospitality.
I was moved by the sincere hospitality.
Emphasizing that something is done with full commitment, deep feeling, or without reservation.
Means 'from the heart'. Commonly used for sincere thanks, apologies, congratulations, or feelings.
Expressing a deep, honest apology without excuses.
A formal, heartfelt apology. Very common in business and official contexts.
Expressing deep, honest appreciation.
A formal, heartfelt expression of gratitude. Used in speeches, letters, and formal occasions.
English phrases like 'sincere condolences' or 'sincere apologies' often have fixed Japanese equivalents. Using a direct adjective translation may sound unnatural. Instead, use established expressions like 心からお悔やみ申し上げます (sincere condolences) or 心からお詫び申し上げます (sincere apologies).
誠実 (seijitsu) is the general term for sincerity in character and actions, suitable for everyday use. 真摯 (shinshi) implies earnestness and seriousness, often used in formal or written contexts to describe attitudes or efforts. 真摯 is less common in casual speech.
I express my sincere gratitude.
I offer my sincere apologies.
Literally 'put one's heart into'. Used for actions done with care and sincerity, such as making a gift or writing a letter.
I wrote a sincere letter (putting my heart into it).
Means 'serious' or 'earnest'. Often used when sincerity is shown through a serious, committed attitude, such as in discussions or efforts.
His sincere (earnest) attitude came across.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused.
Standard polite apology. While not explicitly 'sincere', it is the default way to express regret and is understood as sincere in context.
I sincerely apologize for being late.
I sincerely thank you all for your support.
A common, polite way to say 'thank you very much' with sincerity. Adding '本当に' (truly) emphasizes genuine feeling.
Thank you so much. I'm sincerely grateful.