Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Sincerity" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "sincerity", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
誠意
せいい (seii)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
真心
まごころ (magokoro)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "sincerity" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 誠意 and 真心.
In Japanese, 誠意 (せいい (seii)) is typically associated with "sincerity; good faith; honest intention" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to sincerity, good faith, or honest intentions. Often used as 誠意を見せる.
On the other hand, 真心 (まごころ (magokoro)) maps to "sincerity; devotion; pure heart; honest love; whole heart" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to deep sincerity, devotion, a pure heart, or honest love shown toward others. A literal translation of "sincerity" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "誠意"
どれだけ言葉を尽くしても、行動に_______が伴わなければ、相手の信頼を得ることはできません。
No matter how many words you use, unless sincerity accompanies your actions, you cannot gain another's trust.
Bilingual Context for "真心"
お世話になった先生への感謝を伝えるために、私たちは_______を込めて手作りのプレゼントを贈りました。
To convey gratitude to the teacher who had taken care of us, we presented a handmade gift with all our heart.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "どれだけ言葉を尽くしても、行動に_______が伴わなければ、相手の信頼を得ることはできません。" (Meaning: "No matter how many words you use, unless sincerity accompanies your actions, you cannot gain another's trust.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "誠意" fits here because it means "sincerity; good faith; honest intention" in the context of: "No matter how many words you use, unless sincerity accompanies your actions, you cannot gain another's trust.". "真心" represents "sincerity; devotion; pure heart; honest love; whole heart".