Translation guide
A formal closing phrase used in letters and emails. In Japanese, letter closings are highly conventional and depend on the season, relationship, and level of formality. Direct translation is not natural; instead, use standard Japanese closing phrases.
Sincerely yours (standard formal letter closing)
Used in formal letters, paired with an opening greeting like 拝啓 (はいけい).
To close a formal letter or email with a standard polite phrase equivalent to 'Sincerely yours'.
Dear Sir/Madam, I hope you are well in this warm spring weather. ... Sincerely yours,
A formal closing used primarily by women in letters. It conveys respect and is equivalent to 'Sincerely yours' in a feminine register.
I am writing to you in haste. Sincerely yours,
A less formal closing used in casual letters or when writing to close acquaintances. It is paired with an opening like 前略 (ぜんりゃく).
Thanks for the other day. ... Sincerely,
To close a business email politely, similar to 'Sincerely yours' in English.
A standard polite closing phrase in business emails, expressing a request for continued favor or cooperation. It is not a direct translation but serves the same function as 'Sincerely yours' in English emails.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely yours,
Used when continuing a relationship or project, meaning 'I look forward to your continued support.' It functions as a polite closing.
To close a personal letter warmly, similar to 'Sincerely yours' but more casual.
Do not translate 'Sincerely yours' literally as 誠実にあなたのもの (せいじつにあなたのもの) or similar. Such phrases are not used in Japanese correspondence and will sound unnatural.
In formal letters, the opening and closing are paired: 拝啓 (はいけい) with 敬具 (けいぐ), 前略 (ぜんりゃく) with 草々 (そうそう). Using the wrong pair can be awkward.
I look forward to our continued cooperation. Sincerely yours,
I look forward to seeing you again. Sincerely yours,