Translation guide
The English word "faithful" covers several distinct meanings: loyalty in relationships, accuracy in representation, religious devotion, and reliability. This guide organizes Japanese expressions by these meanings, from most common to niche.
I am blessed with faithful friends.
Describes someone devoted single-mindedly to one person, often in love. Has a nuance of unwavering dedication.
彼女は一途に彼を愛している。
She loves him faithfully.
Literally "does not cheat." A direct way to say someone is faithful in a romantic sense.
彼は絶対に浮気をしない。
He is absolutely faithful.
A formal or literary term for chastity and faithfulness, often used for women historically.
貞節な妻として知られていた。
She was known as a faithful wife.
Describing something that is true to the original, such as a translation, reproduction, or account.
The most direct equivalent for "faithful" in the sense of accuracy. Used for translations, reproductions, and descriptions.
これは原文に忠実な翻訳です。
This is a faithful translation of the original text.
その映画は原作に忠実だ。
The movie is faithful to the original work.
Means "accurate" or "precise." Often used when faithfulness implies exactness.
彼の報告は正確だった。
His report was faithful (accurate).
Means "as is" or "unchanged." Used for faithful reproduction without alteration.
そのままの色を再現した。
We reproduced the colors faithfully.
Describing a person who is devoted to their religion or beliefs.
Means devout or pious. The standard term for religious faithfulness.
彼女は信心深いクリスチャンです。
She is a faithful Christian.
Literally "thick with faith." A slightly more emphatic way to say devout.
信仰心の厚い信者たちが集まった。
Faithful believers gathered.
Can also be used for religious faithfulness, but less common than 信心深い.
神に忠実な僕
a faithful servant of God
Describing a person, animal, or thing that can be trusted and is consistently supportive.
Used for loyal dogs, followers, etc. Broadly applicable.
犬は忠実な動物だ。
Dogs are faithful animals.
彼は会社に忠実な社員だ。
He is a faithful employee.
Emphasizes sincerity and trustworthiness, often for people.
誠実なパートナーを探している。
I'm looking for a faithful partner.
忠実 (ちゅうじつ) emphasizes loyalty to a person, cause, or original. 誠実 (せいじつ) emphasizes sincerity and honesty in character. For romantic faithfulness, 誠実 is more common; for accuracy, 忠実 is standard.
While 忠実 can technically be used, it sounds like loyalty to a master, not romantic fidelity. Use 誠実 or 浮気をしない instead.