誠意

• Reading: せいい
• Romaji: seii
• Kanji breakdown: 誠 (sei) — sincerity, truth, fidelity; 意 (i) — intent, meaning, will
• Pronunciation: /seː.i/

Meaning

Sincerity; good faith; genuine intentions. A wholehearted and honest attitude toward others.

A noun describing the quality of being genuinely honest and earnest in one's dealings. Central to Japanese interpersonal and business relationships. Key collocations include 誠意を見せる (seii wo miseru, to show sincerity), 誠意を持って (seii wo motte, with sincerity), and 誠意ある対応 (seii aru taiou, sincere response). Often invoked when resolving disputes or apologising — showing 誠意 is crucial for restoring trust.

Examples

1. 会社は被害者に誠意を持って対応すべきだ。 The company should respond to the victims with sincerity.
2. 彼の誠意ある謝罪に心を動かされた。 His heartfelt apology genuinely moved me.
3. 誠意を見せなければ、信頼は取り戻せない。 Without showing sincerity, you can never regain someone's trust.

Usage Guide

Context: business, apologies, negotiations, conflict resolution

Tone: earnest

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 誠 (sei, sincerity/truth) + 意 (i, intent/meaning). Literally 'sincere intention' — the genuine purpose behind one's words and actions.

Cultural Context

Era: Historical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal