What does it mean word for word?
The word 忠誠 is composed of two characters: 忠, meaning loyalty or devotion and 誠, meaning sincerity or truth.
Which one should you use?
While 忠誠 is the standard term, other forms carry different nuances. 忠誠心 refers specifically to the feeling or spirit of loyalty. 忠義 carries a deeper sense of righteousness and morality, often associated with samurai culture.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
忠誠 is a formal and heavy term, typically used in professional, historical or political contexts, such as showing loyalty to a monarch or a country. The form 忠誠心 is also used as a formal word for expressing steadfast commitment and devotion.
How does it change in a sentence?
By adding the suffix 心 (shin) to 忠誠, you create the noun 忠誠心, which specifically refers to the 'heart' or 'spirit' of loyalty.
How do you pronounce it?
chūsei
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, the concept of 忠誠 often clashes with 孝, the filial piety or loyalty owed to one's parents, creating a classic literary conflict between public duty and family.
- Japanese has a specific term 切腹 for ritual suicide, which was historically the ultimate, albeit tragic, proof of 忠義 when a samurai could no longer serve his lord.
- The nuance of 忠誠 implies a vertical relationship between a subordinate and a superior, rather than the horizontal loyalty felt between equals.
Examples in context
- 彼女の忠誠心を評価します。I appreciate her loyalty.This sentence is useful for expressing appreciation for someone's loyalty using the form 忠誠.Tatoeba #3697697 by ii_desu, translation #3694402 by AlanF_US
- 「彼は会社に対する忠誠心が非常に高く、いつも最善を尽くしています。」He has a strong loyalty and always gives his best to the company.
- 「姉はいつも誠実さと忠誠心を持って接してくれます。」My sister always treats others with sincerity and loyalty.
- 彼は主君への忠誠を誓った。Kare wa shukun e no chuusei o chikatta.He swore loyalty to his lord.
- 組織に対する忠誠が求められる。Soshiki ni taisuru chuusei ga motomerareru.Loyalty to the organization is required.
Example conversation
Two employees are discussing their company's values in an office.
- 美咲 Misaki会社への忠誠は必要ですか？Kaisha e no chuusei wa hitsuyou desu ka?Is loyalty to the company necessary?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、それが大切です。Hai, sore ga taisetsu desu.Yes, that is important.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太さんはそう思いますか？Youta-san wa sou omoimasu ka?Do you think so, Youta?
- 陽太 Yota美咲さん、僕はそう思います。Misaki-san, boku wa sou omoimasu.Misaki, I think so.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 忠誠, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
