Translation guide
Expresses sincerity, honest intention, or trustworthiness in actions or agreements. Japanese uses set phrases like 誠意 (seii) or 善意 (zen'i), often in formal or legal contexts.
To act with genuine, honest intent, especially in negotiations or fulfilling obligations.
The most common and direct equivalent for 'good faith' as sincere intention. Used in formal and business contexts.
彼は誠意を持って交渉に臨んだ。
He approached the negotiations in good faith.
誠意を示すことが大切です。
It's important to show good faith.
Adverbial phrase meaning 'in good faith' or 'with sincerity'.
誠意を持って対応します。
We will handle this in good faith.
Goodwill or good intentions, often implying a lack of malice. Slightly more about the state of mind than the action.
彼の行動は善意に基づいている。
His actions are based on good faith.
The principle of honest and fair dealing in contracts or law.
The legal principle of good faith and fair dealing, often used in contract law.
契約は信義誠実の原則に従って履行されなければならない。
Contracts must be performed in accordance with the principle of good faith.
A 'bona fide third party' in legal contexts, someone who acts in good faith without knowledge of fraud or defects.
善意の第三者は保護される。
A good faith third party is protected.
Making a sincere attempt to do something, even if the outcome is uncertain.
A sincere or honest effort, often used in contexts like 'good faith effort to resolve the issue'.
問題解決のために誠実な努力を払った。
We made a good faith effort to resolve the problem.
A response or handling that shows good faith, often used in customer service or complaints.
会社は誠意ある対応を見せた。
The company showed a good faith response.
A sum of money given to show serious intent to complete a transaction.
Earnest money or deposit, commonly used in real estate transactions to show good faith.
契約時に手付金を支払った。
We paid a good faith deposit at the time of contract.
A deposit or partial payment, often used in general purchases.
誠意 (seii) emphasizes active sincerity and effort, often in fulfilling duties or negotiations. 善意 (zen'i) emphasizes goodwill or lack of malicious intent, and is more about a state of mind. In legal contexts, 善意 often means 'without knowledge of wrongdoing' (bona fide).
Avoid translating 'good faith' literally as 良い信仰 (yoi shinkō) or 良い信頼 (yoi shinrai). These are unnatural and do not convey the intended meaning.
内金として一万円を預けた。
I left 10,000 yen as a good faith deposit.