誠実な
seijitsu na
The English word "sincere" is translated into Japanese as 誠実な (seijitsu na).
誠実な is used to describe a person's character, implying they are trustworthy, honest and act with integrity. It carries the sense of being sincere, honest or upright.
Meaning: earnest (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 誠 (truth/sincerity) and 実 (reality/truth/fruit), literally meaning 'truth that is real'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 誠実 (seijitsu) functions as a noun meaning "sincerity", while the adjectival form 誠実な (seijitsu na) is used to modify nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
seijitsu na
Did you know?
- The word 誠 (makoto) was famously used as the motto of the Shinsengumi, an elite police force in the 1860s, representing their absolute loyalty and sincerity to the shogun.
- The character 実 in 誠実な means 'fruit' or 'seed'. This suggests that sincerity is not just an abstract feeling but a result that has ripened and borne fruit through action.
- While 誠実 describes a person's character, if you want to say a letter or an apology is 'sincere', you would more commonly use the word 真心の (magokoro no) to describe the feeling behind it.
Examples in context
- トムはとても誠実な人だ。Tom is a very sincere person.This sentence is useful for describing someone as a very sincere person using 誠実な.Tatoeba #2706830 by tommy_san, translation #3332654 by CK
- 彼の真摯な態度は感銘を与える。His sincere attitude is impressive.
- 彼は誠実な人柄で信頼されている。He is trusted for his sincere character.
- 大変申し訳ありませんでした。お詫び申し上げます。I am deeply sorry. Please accept my sincere apologies.
- 彼は俳優になるために本気で努力している。He is making sincere efforts to become an actor.
- 彼に心から感謝しています。I sincerely appreciate him from the bottom of my heart.
- 彼女にはすごく感謝しています。I truly appreciate her a lot.
- 誠心誠意お礼申し上げます。どうもありがとうございました。I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you very much.
- 彼は誠実な態度で話した。kare wa seijitsu na taido de hanashita.He spoke with a sincere attitude.
- 誠実な対応に感謝しています。seijitsu na taio ni kansha shite imasu.I appreciate your sincere response.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new coworker.
- 大翔 Hiroto新しい同僚はどう？Atarashii douryou wa dou?How is the new colleague?
- 結衣 Yuiとても誠実な人だと思うよ。Totemo seijitsu na hito da to omou yo.I think he is a very sincere person.
- 大翔 Hirotoそれは安心したよ。Sore wa anshin shita yo.That's a relief.
- 結衣 Yui仕事への姿勢が真面目だしね。Shigoto e no shisei ga majime dashi ne.And he has a serious attitude toward work.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sincere” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
