Translation guide
The quality of being honest, genuine, and without pretense. In Japanese, sincerity is often expressed through specific words, set phrases, and culturally embedded concepts like honesty, earnestness, and wholeheartedness.
Expressing that someone is honest, straightforward, and not pretending
The most direct and common translation for 'sincerity' as a personal quality. It implies honesty, faithfulness, and integrity in one's actions and words.
He is a sincere person.
Literally 'true heart.' Conveys deep, heartfelt sincerity, often in emotional or personal contexts. It emphasizes purity of intention.
Implies earnestness and seriousness. Often used in formal contexts to describe a sincere attitude toward work or responsibilities.
Means frankness or straightforwardness. It is sincerity in the sense of being open and not hiding one's thoughts, but can sometimes be too direct.
Describing sincere effort, dedication, or earnestness in doing something
Commonly used to describe a serious, earnest, and diligent attitude. It often implies sincerity through consistent, honest effort.
Expressing sincerity when apologizing or making a heartfelt request
Referring to sincerity as an ideal or moral concept in Japanese culture
A traditional word for sincerity, truth, and fidelity. It carries a deep cultural and philosophical weight, often associated with ideals of honesty and purity.
誠実 (seijitsu) is about moral integrity and honesty in relationships. 真面目 (majime) is about being earnest and diligent, often in work or study. 真心 (magokoro) is about heartfelt emotion and purity of intention, often used in personal expressions like letters or gifts.
In English, we often close letters with 'Sincerely.' In Japanese, the standard closing is 敬具 (keigu) in formal letters, or simply さようなら or またね in casual ones. Using 心から or 誠実に as a letter closing would be unnatural.
I doubt his sincerity.
Sincerity is the most important thing.
真心を込めて手紙を書いた。
I wrote the letter with sincerity.
Approach work with a sincere attitude.
率直な意見を言ってくれてありがとう。
Thank you for your sincere (frank) opinion.
He is studying sincerely (diligently).
Means 'with all one's might' or 'very hard.' It conveys sincere, wholehearted effort, though it focuses more on intensity than moral honesty.
I will work sincerely (with all my effort).
Means 'serious' or 'earnest.' Often used when someone is sincerely engaged in an activity, like a discussion or competition.
Let's talk sincerely (seriously).
Means 'from the heart.' Used to emphasize sincerity in apologies, thanks, or requests. Often paired with verbs like 謝る (apologize) or 感謝する (thank).
I sincerely apologize.
I sincerely thank you.
A formal adverb meaning 'truly' or 'sincerely.' Common in business apologies and formal letters.
I am sincerely sorry. (very formal)
In formal apologies, phrases like 深くお詫び申し上げます (I deeply apologize) convey profound sincerity. This is very formal and used in official statements.
I sincerely apologize. (very formal)
Cherish a sincere heart.
A very formal and somewhat archaic term for utmost sincerity. Rarely used in daily conversation, but appears in literature and formal speeches.
Sincerity reaches heaven. (proverb)
She spoke with sincerity.