How to say "sincere" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 誠実せいじつna-adjective, nounThis is the word for sincere as a personal quality: someone honest and faithful in dealings with others, whose words and actions ring true. Typical when describing or praising a person's character.
- 真摯しんしna-adjective, nounCovers sincere in the sense of an earnest, serious attitude or approach — toward work, study, or a question at hand — rather than honesty of character. It describes how someone engages with something.
- 切実せつじつna-adjective, nounSeldom the word you want for a sincere person: it really describes feelings, wishes, or needs felt keenly or acutely — an earnest longing or pressing concern — rather than honesty of character.
- 律儀りちぎna-adjective, nounMarginal as a translation of sincere: it really describes an upright, conscientious person who faithfully does what is expected of them. Choose it for steadfast dutifulness rather than sincerity of feeling.
- 真面目まじめna-adjective, nounCovers sincere for an honest, serious-minded person who approaches things earnestly and diligently. It stresses seriousness of conduct, so it suits someone who studies or works in earnest rather than deep emotion.
For sincere as honest character use 誠実, for an earnest, serious attitude 真摯, for an honest, serious-minded person 真面目; 切実 is for keenly felt feelings and 律儀 for conscientious uprightness, not sincerity proper.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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