Translation guide
The quality of being honest, morally correct, and having strong principles. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through words describing character, integrity, and moral rectitude.
Describing a person's character as morally upright, honest, and principled.
The most common word for honesty and uprightness in everyday contexts. Often used as a na-adjective or noun.
He is an upright person.
To be honest, I think that's a mistake.
Emphasizes sincerity, faithfulness, and integrity. Often used in formal contexts or to describe deep moral character.
He is trusted for his upright character.
To do one's work with integrity.
Refers to incorruptible honesty and purity, often used for public figures or in political contexts.
A politician of unimpeachable uprightness.
Noble and virtuous; implies moral elevation and purity. Used in literary or formal descriptions.
A person of noble and upright spirit.
Describing a physically straight or vertical position, often metaphorically linked to moral uprightness.
正直 (shōjiki) is the everyday word for honesty, often used in phrases like 'to be honest'. 誠実 (seijitsu) implies a deeper, consistent integrity and sincerity, and is more formal. Use 正直 for general truthfulness, and 誠実 for describing a person's fundamental moral character.
The English word 'uprightness' is not commonly used in everyday conversation. In Japanese, directly translating it as a single noun can sound unnatural. It's better to use adjectives like 正直な or 誠実な, or describe the behavior.
His uprightness earned him everyone's respect.
I admire her moral uprightness.