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.
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.
真摯な態度で仕事に取り組む。
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.
率直な意見を言ってください。
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.
真心のこもったおもてなしに感動した。
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.
心からの感謝を申し上げます。
I express my sincere gratitude.
心からのお詫びを申し上げます。
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.
心を込めて手紙を書いた。
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.
彼の真剣な姿勢が伝わってきた。
His sincere (earnest) attitude came across.
Expressing a deep, honest apology without excuses.
A formal, heartfelt apology. Very common in business and official contexts.
この度はご迷惑をおかけし、心からお詫び申し上げます。
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.
遅れて申し訳ありません。
I sincerely apologize for being late.
Expressing deep, honest appreciation.
A formal, heartfelt expression of gratitude. Used in speeches, letters, and formal occasions.
皆様のご支援に心より感謝申し上げます。
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.
本当にありがとうございます。心から感謝しています。
Thank you so much. I'm sincerely grateful.
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.