真摯

• Reading: しんし
• Romaji: shinshi
• Kanji breakdown: 真 (shin) — true, genuine; 摯 (shi) — sincere, earnest
• Pronunciation: /ɕiɴ.ɕi/

Meaning

Sincere; earnest; serious. Describing a deeply genuine and wholehearted attitude or approach.

A na-adjective and noun expressing profound sincerity and earnestness. Stronger than 真面目 (serious, diligent) — it implies a deep, unwavering commitment. Common in formal contexts: 真摯に受け止める (take something seriously), 真摯な態度 (sincere attitude). Often used in apologies, responses to criticism, and descriptions of dedicated effort.

Examples

1. 彼は批判に対して真摯に向き合った。 He faced the criticism head-on with sincerity.
2. 真摯な姿勢で仕事に取り組む人は信頼される。 People who approach their work with a sincere attitude are trusted.
3. ご指摘を真摯に受け止めて改善いたします。 I will take your feedback seriously and make improvements.

Usage Guide

Context: business, apologies, public statements

Tone: earnest

Origin & History

From Chinese, combining 真 (true, genuine) and 摯 (sincere, earnest — originally meaning 'to grasp firmly'). The character 摯 contains 執 (to hold) at its base, conveying the image of holding firmly to the truth.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal