Translation guide
The quality of being honest, morally correct, and having strong principles. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through words describing character, integrity, and moral rectitude.
Describing a person's character as morally upright, honest, and principled.
The most common word for honesty and uprightness in everyday contexts. Often used as a na-adjective or noun.
Describing a physically straight or vertical position, often metaphorically linked to moral uprightness.
正直 (shōjiki) is the everyday word for honesty, often used in phrases like 'to be honest'. 誠実 (seijitsu) implies a deeper, consistent integrity and sincerity, and is more formal. Use 正直 for general truthfulness, and 誠実 for describing a person's fundamental moral character.
The English word 'uprightness' is not commonly used in everyday conversation. In Japanese, directly translating it as a single noun can sound unnatural. It's better to use adjectives like 正直な or 誠実な, or describe the behavior.
彼の誠実さは皆の尊敬を集めた。
His uprightness earned him everyone's respect.
彼女の清廉さに感心する。
I admire her moral uprightness.
He is an upright person.
正直に言うと、それは間違いだと思います。
To be honest, I think that's a mistake.
Emphasizes sincerity, faithfulness, and integrity. Often used in formal contexts or to describe deep moral character.
彼は誠実な人柄で信頼されている。
He is trusted for his upright character.
誠実に仕事をする。
To do one's work with integrity.
Refers to incorruptible honesty and purity, often used for public figures or in political contexts.
清廉潔白な政治家。
A politician of unimpeachable uprightness.
Noble and virtuous; implies moral elevation and purity. Used in literary or formal descriptions.
高潔な精神の持ち主。
A person of noble and upright spirit.
Standing straight up; used for posture or objects. Can imply a sense of dignity.
直立不動の姿勢。
A posture of standing upright without moving.
Literally 'to straighten one's back', often used to mean sitting or standing upright with good posture.
背筋を伸ばして座りなさい。
Sit up straight.