Translation guide
The English adverb 'earnestly' describes doing something with serious, sincere, and heartfelt intent. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adverbs, phrases, and even verb forms, depending on the nuance: sincere desire, serious effort, heartfelt pleading, or solemn commitment.
Expressing that an action or statement is done with genuine, heartfelt sincerity, without pretense.
Literally 'from the heart', this is a common and natural way to say you do something sincerely or wholeheartedly. It can modify verbs or stand alone.
心から感謝しています。
I am earnestly grateful.
心からお詫び申し上げます。
I sincerely apologize.
A more formal, written word meaning 'sincerely' or 'earnestly', often used in serious contexts like business or official statements.
真摯に受け止めます。
I will take it earnestly (to heart).
Conveys an earnest, heartfelt wish or request. Often used with verbs like 願う (to wish) or 望む (to hope).
切にお願い申し上げます。
I earnestly request this of you.
Describing an action done with focused, serious effort and dedication, often over time.
Means 'seriously', 'diligently', or 'in earnest'. It's the most common way to say someone is applying themselves earnestly to a task.
彼は真面目に勉強している。
He is studying earnestly.
真面目に働きなさい。
Work earnestly.
Literally 'with all one's might', this is a very common word meaning 'very hard', 'with utmost effort'. It emphasizes the intensity of the effort.
一生懸命頑張ります。
I will do my best earnestly.
Means 'enthusiastically', 'zealously', or 'earnestly'. It implies passion and dedication, often used for hobbies, studies, or work.
彼女は熱心に絵を描いている。
She is earnestly painting.
Means 'seriously', 'in earnest', often with a nuance of gravity or no-nonsense attitude. Can be used for discussions, efforts, or relationships.
真剣に話し合おう。
Let's talk earnestly.
Expressing a strong, heartfelt request or plea, often with a sense of urgency or deep desire.
A verb meaning 'to plead earnestly', 'to entreat'. It implies repeatedly and sincerely asking for something.
彼に助けを頼み込んだ。
I earnestly begged him for help.
A formal verb meaning 'to entreat', 'to implore'. Used in serious, often written contexts.
彼は許しを懇願した。
He earnestly begged for forgiveness.
Literally 'to bow someone down', meaning to plead so earnestly that the other person gives in. Very vivid and somewhat dramatic.
Expressing a deep, sincere hope or wish for something, often for someone else's well-being or a future outcome.
A very natural phrase meaning 'to wish from the heart'. It can be used in both spoken and written Japanese.
ご成功を心から願っています。
I earnestly wish for your success.
A formal verb meaning 'to long for', 'to desire earnestly'. Often used in written language.
平和を切望する。
We earnestly desire peace.
All three can translate 'earnestly', but with different nuances. 真面目に (majime ni) implies diligence and seriousness, often for routine tasks. 真剣に (shinken ni) implies a grave, no-nonsense attitude, often for discussions or important matters. 熱心に (nesshin ni) implies passionate enthusiasm, often for hobbies or studies.
彼は真面目に仕事をする。
He works earnestly (diligently).
真剣に将来を考える。
Think earnestly about the future.
熱心にギターを練習する。
Practice guitar earnestly (enthusiastically).
There is no single Japanese adverb that covers all uses of 'earnestly'. Avoid directly translating word-for-word. Instead, choose the expression that matches the specific nuance: sincerity, effort, pleading, or wishing.
拝み倒して許可をもらった。
I earnestly pleaded until I got permission.