Word in Japanese/virtue
Truth in Japanese
Truth translates as 真実 (shinjitsu). Below is a full breakdown with stroke counts, alternate writings, an example sentence, and tattoo design notes.
What it means
真実 (shinjitsu, しんじつ) means truth.
| Kanji | Meaning | Strokes | On'yomi | Kun'yomi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 真 | true, genuine, real | 10 | shin | ma, makoto |
| 実 | reality, fruit, truth | 8 | jitsu | mi, mino(ru) |
Alternate writings
Japanese often offers more than one valid kanji for a concept. The alternates below carry slightly different nuance — read them carefully before choosing.
single-kanji: truth, sincerity, also a popular given name
sincerity, the value emphasised by the Shinsengumi and bushido
Compounds and related words
Common Japanese vocabulary built around this kanji.
| Word | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 事実 | jijitsu | fact |
| 真理 | shinri | philosophical or universal truth |
| 誠実 | seijitsu | sincerity, honesty |
Example sentence
真実はいつも一つだ。
Shinjitsu wa itsumo hitotsu da.
There is always one truth.
Tattoo design notes
真実 is the standard word for truth in the factual or revealed sense. For a single-kanji tattoo, 真 (makoto) is hugely popular and means truth or sincerity. 誠 (also read makoto) is the kanji on the Shinsengumi banner and carries strong samurai-era resonance. All three are valid; 真 is the cleanest tattoo design.
Cultural notes
Japanese has multiple kanji read makoto (真, 誠, 信), each with subtly different nuances. 誠 became iconic through the Shinsengumi, the late-Edo police force whose flag bore this single character.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say truth in Japanese?
Truth in Japanese is 真実, romanised as shinjitsu and written in hiragana as しんじつ. Japanese has multiple kanji read makoto (真, 誠, 信), each with subtly different nuances. 誠 became iconic through the Shinsengumi, the late-Edo police force whose flag bore this single character.
What does the kanji 真実 mean?
真 means "true, genuine, real" (10 strokes; on'yomi: shin; kun'yomi: ma, makoto). 実 means "reality, fruit, truth" (8 strokes; on'yomi: jitsu; kun'yomi: mi, mino(ru)). Together the word reads as shinjitsu.
What is the difference between 真実 and 真?
真実 (shinjitsu) is the standard form: Japanese has multiple kanji read makoto (真, 誠, 信), each with subtly different nuances. 誠 became iconic through the Shinsengumi, the late-Edo police force whose flag bore this single character.. 真 (makoto) is different — single-kanji: truth, sincerity, also a popular given name. Pick based on the exact nuance you want to convey.
Is 真実 a good kanji for a tattoo?
真実 is the standard word for truth in the factual or revealed sense. For a single-kanji tattoo, 真 (makoto) is hugely popular and means truth or sincerity. 誠 (also read makoto) is the kanji on the Shinsengumi banner and carries strong samurai-era resonance. All three are valid; 真 is the cleanest tattoo design.
How do you write truth in hiragana?
In hiragana, truth is written as しんじつ, which represents the sound shinjitsu. The kanji form 真実 is used in everyday writing; hiragana is used when the kanji is too difficult, for emphasis, or in children's text.
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