sincerity

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is せい, and the kun reading is まこと. It has 13 strokes and relates to sincerity and integrity.
• Basic usage: 誠 is read まこと, and 誠実 is read せいじつ.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 誠 and 誠実
  • 誠 means sincerity or integrity. It is a noun read まこと for sincerity or integrity itself.
  • 誠を尽くして相手に事情を説明した。 means “I sincerely explained the circumstances to the other person.”
  • 誠実 means sincere or honest. It is read せいじつ and describes a person's attitude or character as sincere and honest.
  • 彼はどんな質問にも誠実に答えた。 means “He answered every question sincerely.”