忠実

• Reading: ちゅうじつ
• Romaji: chuujitsu
• Kanji breakdown: 忠 (chū) — loyalty, devotion, faithfulness; 実 (jitsu) — truth, reality, fruit
• Pronunciation: /tɕɯː.dʑi.tsɯ/

Meaning

Faithful; devoted; loyal; true to the original. Describes unwavering commitment or accurate reproduction.

A na-adjective with two main uses: (1) describing loyalty and devotion to a person, cause, or duty (忠実な部下 — a loyal subordinate, 忠実な犬 — a faithful dog), and (2) describing faithful reproduction or adherence to an original (原作に忠実 — faithful to the original work). Common in both interpersonal and artistic/academic contexts. The word has a dignified, slightly formal feel.

Examples

1. 彼は会社に対して忠実な社員だ。 He is a loyal employee to the company.
2. この映画は原作に忠実に作られている。 This movie was made faithful to the original work.
3. 忠実な友人がいることは本当に幸せだ。 Having a devoted friend is truly a blessing.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, work, literature, film adaptation

Tone: respectful

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 忠 (chū, loyalty/devotion) + 実 (jitsu, truth/reality/fruit). The kanji 忠 combines 中 (centre) and 心 (heart), meaning 'centred heart' — wholehearted devotion. Together with 実 (truth), it conveys genuine, heartfelt loyalty.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal