Translation guide
The English word "sincerely" is used in two main ways: as a letter closing and as an adverb meaning "genuinely" or "honestly." In Japanese, these are expressed very differently. For letters, set phrases are used depending on formality. For the adverb, common words like 本当に (hontō ni) or 心から (kokoro kara) are used, but the best choice depends on the nuance.
The word used at the end of a letter or email before signing your name.
Sincerely, John · Yours sincerely, · Sincerely yours,
Standard formal closing in Japanese letters, used with the opening 拝啓 (haikei). Common in business and formal personal correspondence.
拝啓、春暖の候、ますますご清栄のこととお喜び申し上げます。敬具
Dear Sir/Madam, I hope this letter finds you well as the warm spring weather arrives. Sincerely,
Informal closing used primarily by women in personal letters. Often paired with the opening 拝啓 (haikei) or used alone.
また遊びに行こうね。かしこ
Let's hang out again soon. Sincerely,
Informal closing used by men in personal letters. Paired with the opening 前略 (zenryaku) which skips seasonal greetings.
前略、先日はありがとう。草々
Hey, thanks for the other day. Sincerely,
Used in business emails to mean 'Sincerely' or 'Best regards' when sending a quick message. More common in email than letters.
詳細は後ほど。取り急ぎご連絡まで。
Details to follow. Sincerely,
In very casual emails or messages between friends, no closing is needed. Just end with your name or nothing at all.
じゃあ、またね。太郎
Talk to you later. Taro
Expressing that a feeling, statement, or action is true and heartfelt.
I sincerely apologize. · Thank you sincerely. · I sincerely hope that...
The most common and versatile way to say 'sincerely' as an adverb. Works in most contexts.
本当にありがとうございます。
Thank you sincerely.
本当に申し訳ありません。
I sincerely apologize.
Literally 'from the heart,' used for deep sincerity, especially with gratitude, apologies, or sympathy.
Formal and often used in business or official contexts. Pairs well with apologies and thanks.
Means 'with all my heart' or 'sincerely,' often used when making something or doing an action with care and genuine feeling.
心を込めて作りました。
I made this sincerely (with all my heart).
Strongly and sincerely, used with verbs like 願う (negau, to wish) or 望む (nozomu, to hope). Formal and somewhat literary.
本当に (hontō ni) is the safest and most common choice for 'sincerely' as an adverb. 心から (kokoro kara) emphasizes deep emotion and is best for heartfelt thanks or apologies. 誠に (makoto ni) is very formal and often used in business or official apologies. Avoid 誠に in casual conversation.
本当に嬉しいです。
I'm sincerely happy.
心から嬉しいです。
I'm truly happy from the bottom of my heart.
誠に嬉しく存じます。
I am sincerely delighted. (very formal)
English letter closings like 'Sincerely' or 'Yours sincerely' do not translate directly into Japanese. Use the set phrases 敬具 (keigu) for formal letters, かしこ (kashiko) for women's informal letters, or 草々 (sōsō) for men's informal letters. Using 本当に or 心から as a letter closing would be unnatural.
正直、わかりません。
Sincerely, I don't know.
Here 'sincerely' means 'honestly,' so 正直 (shōjiki) is more natural.
心から早く良くなることを願っています。
I sincerely hope you get well soon.
心から感謝しています。
I sincerely appreciate it.
心からお悔やみ申し上げます。
I offer my sincere condolences.
誠に申し訳ございません。
I am sincerely sorry.
誠にありがとうございます。
Thank you very sincerely.
I sincerely request this of you.