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Vocabulary
진심으로

B1 adverb #1,800 most common 5 min read

진심으로

jinsimeuro Top 1,800

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 진심으로 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 진심으로 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '진심으로' as a way to say 'I really mean it.' You might use it in very simple sentences to show you are not joking. For example, if you say 'I like you,' adding '진심으로' makes it more serious. It's like saying 'Really, really!' but in a more emotional way. You will mostly see it with words like '좋아해요' (I like) or '고마워요' (Thank you). It helps you move beyond basic politeness to showing real feeling, even if your grammar is still simple. Just remember it's for feelings, not for facts like 'It's really hot.'

At the A2 level, you start to use '진심으로' in more social situations. You can use it to make your apologies sound more honest ('진심으로 미안해요') or to congratulate a friend on something good ('진심으로 축하해요'). You are learning that Korean has many words for 'really,' and '진심으로' is the one you use when you want to talk about your heart. You might also start to see it in simple song lyrics or basic drama dialogue. It's a great word to use when you want to show a Korean speaker that you are being sincere and not just following a textbook phrase.

At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance between '진심으로' and other adverbs like '정말로' or '사실은.' You can use '진심으로' to express complex emotions, such as 'I sincerely hope you succeed' or 'I am sincerely worried about you.' You also begin to recognize its use in formal settings, like a speech or a written thank-you note. You understand that this word carries a certain 'weight' and should be used when you want to establish a deeper connection with the person you are talking to. It's no longer just a vocabulary word; it's a tool for emotional nuance.

At the B2 level, you can use '진심으로' to discuss abstract concepts or to add emphasis in a debate. You might say, 'I sincerely believe that this policy is wrong.' You also understand the cultural implications of 'Jinsim' in Korea—how being 'sincere' is a highly valued trait in relationships. You can distinguish between '진심으로' and more literary versions like '진정으로' or '진실로.' You are comfortable using it in both formal and informal registers, adjusting your tone to match the gravity of the word. You can also identify when someone is using the word sarcastically or performatively.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated grasp of '진심으로.' You can use it to navigate delicate social situations where sincerity needs to be balanced with politeness. You understand its role in the 'Chemyeon' (face) culture, where expressing 'Jinsim' can sometimes be a way to break through social barriers. You can use it in professional writing to convey integrity and in literary analysis to describe a character's motivations. You are also aware of the etymological roots (眞心) and how they relate to other 'Jin' (True) words in the Korean lexicon. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker's in terms of timing and context.

At the C2 level, you understand '진심으로' as a philosophical construct within the Korean language. You can discuss the tension between 'Jinsim' (true heart) and 'Oisik' (outward appearance) in Korean history and literature. You use the word with perfect precision, perhaps even using it to subvert expectations in creative writing or high-level oratory. You understand the subtle differences between '진심으로,' '진정으로,' '성심껏,' and '심혈을 기울여.' For you, '진심으로' is not just an adverb; it is a reflection of the Korean ethos of emotional honesty and interpersonal depth.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

진심으로 in 30 Seconds

An adverb meaning 'sincerely' or 'wholeheartedly,' used to emphasize that an emotion or action is genuine and comes from the heart (眞心).
Primarily used in emotional contexts like apologies, expressions of love, gratitude, or congratulations to distinguish from superficial social interactions.
Differs from '정말로' (really) by focusing on the purity of intent rather than the factual intensity or degree of a statement.
Commonly found in both formal (speeches, letters) and informal (deep conversations) settings, serving as a marker of authenticity and emotional depth.

The term 진심으로 (Jinsimeuro) is one of the most evocative adverbs in the Korean language. At its core, it represents the bridge between one's internal reality and their external expression. In a culture where social harmony (Gibun) and face-saving (Chemyeon) are paramount, explicitly stating that something is done 'with a true heart' carries significant weight.

Etymological Root: The word is composed of 眞 (Jin - True/Real) and 心 (Sim - Heart/Mind), followed by the particle 으로 (euro - by/with). It literally translates to 'with a true heart.'

When you use this word, you are essentially stripping away the layers of social formality. It is a signal to the listener that the words following it are not just 'empty talk' (binsori) but are rooted in your actual soul. This is why it is so frequently used in high-stakes emotional moments.

저는 당신을 진심으로 사랑합니다.

Translation: I love you with all my heart.

Semantic Range: It covers sincerity, wholeheartedness, and authenticity. It is the opposite of being 'hypocritical' (gasikjeogin) or 'superficial' (gyeot-halgi-sik).

진심으로 사과드립니다.

Translation: I sincerely apologize (I offer a true-hearted apology).

In the context of Korean society, where 'nunchi' (the art of reading the room) is vital, '진심으로' acts as a verbal anchor, grounding the conversation in honesty. It is often the word that turns a casual conversation into a 'deep talk' (jinji-han daehwa).

Using 진심으로 correctly involves understanding its placement and the verbs it typically modifies. As an adverb, it usually precedes the verb or the entire clause it is emphasizing. Its primary function is to modify the *manner* in which an emotion is felt or an action is performed.

Grammatical Placement: It most commonly appears right before verbs of emotion (love, hate, like), verbs of communication (say, apologize, thank), or verbs of desire (want, hope).

합격을 진심으로 축하합니다!

Usage: Congratulating someone on passing an exam.

One key nuance is the difference between '진심으로' and '정말로' (really). While '정말로' can emphasize the *degree* or *truth* of a fact, '진심으로' emphasizes the *purity* of the intention. For example, '정말로 배고파요' (I'm really hungry) is natural, but '진심으로 배고파요' sounds slightly dramatic, as if hunger is a deep emotional state.

In formal writing, such as a letter of recommendation or a cover letter, '진심으로' adds a layer of professional integrity. In casual speech, it is often used when a friend is doubting your words: "아니, 나 진심으로 하는 말이야!" (No, I'm saying this sincerely!).

도와주셔서 진심으로 감사합니다.

Usage: Expressing deep gratitude for help.

You will encounter 진심으로 in various cultural and media contexts, each carrying a specific weight. It is a staple of Korean emotional vocabulary, appearing in everything from pop songs to political speeches.

In K-Dramas and Movies: This is the 'confession word.' When a character finally admits their feelings after 12 episodes of tension, they will almost always use '진심으로' to differentiate this moment from their previous bickering or denials.

내 진심으로 하는 말인데, 너 없으면 안 돼.

Drama trope: The desperate confession.

In K-Pop lyrics, '진심으로' is used to convey the idol's gratitude toward their fans (ARMY, ONCE, etc.). During award acceptance speeches, you will hear "진심으로 감사드립니다" (I sincerely thank you) repeatedly. It signifies that the success is shared and the gratitude is not just a PR script.

In daily life, you'll hear it at weddings (congratulating the couple), funerals (offering condolences), and when friends have deep, late-night conversations over soju. It is the word that signals the 'mask' is coming off.

While 진심으로 is a common word, learners often confuse it with other adverbs that mean 'really' or 'truly.' Understanding the nuance is key to sounding natural.

Mistake 1: Confusing with '정말로' or '진짜': '정말로' (Really) is about the truth of a fact. '진심으로' (Sincerely) is about the heart. Don't say '진심으로 매워요' (I am sincerely spicy) when you mean '정말로 매워요' (It's really spicy).

Another common error is using it in situations that are too casual or trivial. If you say "I sincerely want to eat pizza" (진심으로 피자 먹고 싶어요), it sounds like pizza is your life's mission. Unless you are being intentionally funny or dramatic, stick to '진짜' for food cravings.

❌ 진심으로 비가 와요. (Sincere rain?)
✅ 정말로 비가 와요. (It's really raining.)

Finally, avoid using it with negative actions that you *shouldn't* be sincere about. For example, "진심으로 때렸어요" (I hit him sincerely) sounds very strange and slightly psychopathic in Korean, as '진심' usually carries a positive or serious connotation of integrity.

Korean has several ways to express sincerity. Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

진심으로 vs. 진정으로: '진정으로' (Jin-jeong-euro) is even more formal and literary than '진심으로.' It is often used in literature, poetry, or very high-level political speeches. While '진심' is about the 'heart,' '진정' is about 'truth and purity.'

진심으로 vs. 마음속으로: '마음속으로' (Ma-eum-sok-euro) means 'in one's heart' or 'inwardly.' It often implies that the feeling is *not* being expressed outwardly. '진심으로' implies you are expressing your true heart to someone else.

그는 마음속으로 울었다. (He cried inwardly.) vs. 그는 진심으로 울었다. (He cried with true emotion/sincerity.)

Other related words include '진실로' (Jin-sil-lo), which is often used in religious contexts (e.g., "Verily, I say unto you"), and '성심껏' (Seong-sim-kkeot), which means 'with all one's heart and soul' but is specifically used when performing a service or task for someone else (like 'customer service with heart').

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

으로/로 (Instrumental particle)

고 싶다 (Want to)

아/어 주다 (Do for someone)

ㄴ/은/는 것 같다 (It seems like)

면/으면 (If/When)

Examples by Level

진심으로 좋아해요.

I sincerely like you.

Adverb + Verb

진심으로 고마워요.

I am sincerely thankful.

Used to show deep gratitude.

진심으로 미안해요.

I am sincerely sorry.

Standard apology.

진심으로 축하해요.

I sincerely congratulate you.

Used for celebrations.

그거 진심으로 하는 말이야?

Are you saying that sincerely?

Question form.

나는 진심으로 행복해.

I am sincerely happy.

Expressing a state of mind.

진심으로 사랑해.

I love you sincerely.

Very common in romance.

진심으로 반가워요.

I am sincerely glad to meet you.

Warm greeting.

도와주셔서 진심으로 감사합니다.

Thank you sincerely for helping me.

Formal gratitude.

진심으로 사과하고 싶어요.

I want to apologize sincerely.

-고 싶다 (want to) structure.

친구의 성공을 진심으로 기뻐해요.

I am sincerely happy about my friend's success.

Object marker + Verb.

진심으로 다시 시작하고 싶어.

I sincerely want to start again.

Expressing desire.

선생님을 진심으로 존경합니다.

I sincerely respect my teacher.

Honorific form.

진심으로 그 영화가 좋았어요.

I sincerely liked that movie.

Past tense.

진심으로 걱정돼서 그래요.

I'm saying this because I'm sincerely worried.

Reasoning with -어서.

진심으로 응원할게요!

I will sincerely cheer for you!

Future tense.

그의 말은 진심으로 느껴졌어요.

His words felt sincere.

Passive-like structure (felt).

진심으로 반성하고 있습니다.

I am sincerely reflecting on my actions.

Progressive form -고 있다.

여러분의 성원에 진심으로 감사드립니다.

I sincerely thank you for your support.

Formal/Humble verb.

진심으로 바라는 일이 하나 있어요.

There is one thing I sincerely hope for.

Adjective clause.

진심으로 화가 난 것 같아요.

It seems they are sincerely angry.

-ㄴ 것 같다 (it seems).

진심으로 노력하면 꿈은 이루어져요.

If you try sincerely, dreams come true.

Conditional -면.

진심으로 사과하면 용서해 줄게.

If you apologize sincerely, I'll forgive you.

Compound verb structure.

진심으로 대하면 사람들도 알아줘요.

If you treat people sincerely, they will recognize it.

Social wisdom.

진심으로 뉘우치는 기색이 없네요.

There's no sign of sincere repentance.

Noun '기색' (sign/look).

이번 일에 대해 진심으로 책임을 느낍니다.

I feel sincerely responsible for this matter.

Expressing responsibility.

진심으로 우러나오는 행동이었어요.

It was an action that came sincerely from within.

Idiomatic '우러나오다'.

진심으로 그를 믿었던 제가 바보였죠.

I was a fool for sincerely believing him.

Retrospective -던.

진심으로 조언해주셔서 큰 힘이 됐습니다.

Your sincere advice was a great help.

Honorific -시-.

진심으로 변화하고 싶은 마음이 간절해요.

My desire to sincerely change is desperate.

Descriptive adjective '간절하다'.

진심으로 다가가지 않으면 마음을 얻을 수 없어요.

You can't win a heart unless you approach sincerely.

Negative conditional.

진심으로 기뻐하는 모습이 보기 좋네요.

It's good to see you looking sincerely happy.

Gerund form -는 모습.

진심으로 고뇌하는 흔적이 엿보입니다.

Traces of sincere agonizing are visible.

Literary vocabulary '고뇌'.

그의 연설은 청중을 진심으로 감동시켰다.

His speech sincerely moved the audience.

Causative verb.

진심으로 사죄드리는 바입니다.

I am in a position of offering a sincere apology.

Formal ending -는 바입니다.

진심으로 학문에 정진하는 자세가 필요하다.

An attitude of sincerely devoting oneself to studies is needed.

Academic tone.

진심으로 소통하려는 노력이 결여되어 있다.

The effort to communicate sincerely is lacking.

Advanced verb '결여되다'.

진심으로 우러난 사과만이 갈등을 해결한다.

Only an apology coming sincerely from the heart resolves conflict.

Emphasis with '만이'.

진심으로 타인을 배려하는 마음은 고귀하다.

The heart that sincerely considers others is noble.

Abstract noun phrase.

진심으로 자신의 한계에 도전하고 있습니다.

He is sincerely challenging his own limits.

Reflexive '자신'.

진심으로 실존적 고민에 빠진 청년의 모습이다.

It is the image of a youth fallen into sincere existential worry.

Philosophical context.

진심으로 발현된 예술은 시대를 초월한다.

Art manifested sincerely transcends eras.

High-level vocabulary '발현', '초월'.

진심으로 민의를 수렴하는 정치가 요구된다.

Politics that sincerely collect the will of the people is required.

Political/Formal context.

진심으로 귀의하고자 하는 종교적 열망.

A religious desire to sincerely take refuge.

Religious term '귀의'.

진심으로 자아를 성찰하는 시간의 중요성.

The importance of time spent sincerely reflecting on the self.

Self-reflection '성찰'.

진심으로 빚어낸 선율이 가슴을 울린다.

The melody sincerely crafted resonates in the chest.

Metaphorical '빚어내다'.

진심으로 우러나오지 않은 공치사는 공허하다.

Empty praise not coming sincerely is hollow.

Advanced noun '공치사'.

진심으로 타자와 연대하려는 의지.

The will to sincerely stand in solidarity with others.

Sociological term '연대'.

Common Collocations

진심으로 사과하다 (To apologize sincerely)

진심으로 감사하다 (To thank sincerely)

진심으로 축하하다 (To congratulate sincerely)

진심으로 사랑하다 (To love sincerely)

진심으로 걱정하다 (To worry sincerely)

진심으로 원하다 (To want sincerely)

진심으로 뉘우치다 (To repent sincerely)

진심으로 기뻐하다 (To be sincerely happy)

진심으로 존경하다 (To respect sincerely)

진심으로 믿다 (To believe sincerely)

Common Phrases

진심으로 하는 말이야 (I'm saying this sincerely)

진심으로 대하다 (To treat someone with sincerity)

진심으로 우러나오다 (To come from the heart)

진심으로 빌다 (To sincerely pray/wish)

진심으로 사죄하다 (To sincerely apologize - very formal)

진심으로 환영하다 (To sincerely welcome)

진심으로 응원하다 (To sincerely cheer for)

진심으로 위로하다 (To sincerely comfort)

진심으로 반성하다 (To sincerely reflect/regret)

진심으로 소망하다 (To sincerely desire)

Often Confused With

진심으로 vs 정말로 (Really - focuses on degree/truth)

진심으로 vs 사실은 (Actually - focuses on revealing a hidden fact)

진심으로 vs 진짜 (Really - more casual, can be used for trivial things)

Idioms & Expressions

"진심을 다하다 (To give one's whole heart)"

"진심이 통하다 (Sincerity is communicated/understood)"

"진심 어린 (Sincere/Heartfelt - adjective form)"

"진심을 담다 (To put one's heart into something)"

"진심을 보이다 (To show one's true heart)"

"진심을 털어놓다 (To pour out one's heart)"

"진심이 담기다 (To be filled with sincerity)"

"진심을 몰라주다 (To not recognize someone's sincerity)"

"진심을 사다 (To win someone's heart/sincerity)"

"진심이 보이다 (Sincerity is visible)"

Easily Confused

진심으로 vs

Sentence Patterns

Word Family

진실 (Truth), 진정 (Sincerity)

How to Use It

nuance

Implies emotional integrity rather than just factual truth.

formality

Suitable for all levels of formality, but the ending of the sentence must match the social context.

Common Mistakes

Using '진심으로' for physical facts (e.g., 'The water is sincerely cold'). Use '정말로' instead.
Forgetting the liaison in pronunciation (saying 'Jin-sim' ... 'Euro' separately).
Using it too frequently, which makes it sound like a filler word rather than a meaningful emphasis.
Confusing it with '진실로,' which is much more formal and often sounds out of place in daily conversation.
Using it with negative actions that don't involve sincerity (e.g., 'I sincerely lost my wallet').

Tips

Use in Letters

When writing a thank-you note to a Korean host or teacher, always include '진심으로 감사합니다.' It makes a huge difference in how your gratitude is perceived compared to a simple '감사합니다.'

The Liaison Rule

Remember the 'm' sound in 'Sim' moves to the next syllable. It sounds like 'Jin-si-meu-ro.' If you pause between 'Sim' and 'Euro,' it sounds unnatural.

Building Trust

In Korea, building 'Sin-roe' (trust) is everything. Using '진심으로' during a moment of vulnerability helps build that trust faster by showing you are being authentic.

Adverbial Marker

The '-으로' here indicates 'by means of' or 'with.' So you are doing the action 'with sincerity.' Understanding this helps you use other '-으로' adverbs correctly.

Pairing with Verbs

It pairs best with verbs that have an emotional component. Avoid using it with purely mechanical verbs like 'walking' or 'eating' unless you are being poetic.

Sincerity vs. Truth

Remember: '진심으로' is about your heart's intent. '사실대로' is about the facts. If you are telling the truth about a crime, use '사실대로.' If you are apologizing for it, use '진심으로.'

The 'Jinsim' Concept

Koreans value 'Jinsim' because it's seen as the antidote to the 'fake' interactions required by social hierarchy. Being 'Jinsim' is seen as being a 'good person.'

Drama Clues

When you hear '진심으로' in a drama, pay attention to the body language. Usually, the character will stop what they are doing and look directly at the other person.

Casual Shortening

In very casual settings with close friends, you can just say '진심!' to mean 'I'm serious!' or 'Really!'

Formal Endings

When using '진심으로' in a formal document, always pair it with the '-습니다' or '-드립니다' endings to maintain the appropriate level of respect.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Sino-Korean origin, widely used since the Middle Korean period to denote genuine intent.

Cultural Context

Gifts are often accompanied by the phrase '진심을 담아' (containing my sincerity).

A public apology in Korea is judged almost entirely on whether it is perceived as '진심으로' or just a performance.

Korean social scripts are complex; '진심으로' signals a break from script to reality.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"진심으로 하고 싶은 일이 뭐예요? (What is something you sincerely want to do?)"

"누군가에게 진심으로 고마웠던 적이 있나요? (Have you ever been sincerely thankful to someone?)"

"진심으로 사과하는 법이 뭐라고 생각하세요? (What do you think is the way to apologize sincerely?)"

"진심으로 존경하는 인물이 누구예요? (Who is a person you sincerely respect?)"

"진심으로 행복을 느낄 때는 언제예요? (When do you feel sincere happiness?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 내가 진심으로 느꼈던 감정에 대해 써보세요. (Write about an emotion you sincerely felt today.)

진심으로 감사하고 싶은 사람에게 편지를 써보세요. (Write a letter to someone you want to thank sincerely.)

내가 진심으로 이루고 싶은 꿈은 무엇인가요? (What is the dream I sincerely want to achieve?)

말과 행동이 진심으로 일치했던 순간을 기록하세요. (Record a moment when your words and actions sincerely matched.)

진심이 통하지 않아 속상했던 경험이 있나요? (Have you had an experience where your sincerity wasn't communicated and you felt upset?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically yes, but it sounds very dramatic. It's like saying 'I love this pizza with my entire soul.' In casual situations, '진짜' or '정말' is much more natural. Save '진심으로' for when you want to express a deep, meaningful preference or feeling.

'진정으로' is more formal and often found in written texts, literature, or very serious speeches. '진심으로' is more common in daily life and emotional conversations. Both mean sincerely, but '진정' has a slightly more 'noble' or 'pure' connotation.

Yes, very often. It is used in customer service apologies, thank-you emails to clients, and in speeches. It shows that the company or individual is not just following a script but actually cares about the relationship.

Yes! If you say something and people laugh, you can say '나 진심으로 하는 말이야' to let them know you are being serious and sincere about what you just said.

Usually, yes. It's rare to say 'I sincerely hate you' (진심으로 미워해요) unless you are in a very intense, dramatic situation. It generally carries a connotation of integrity and 'good' sincerity.

You can say '제 진심이에요' (It is my true heart/I am sincere) or '저는 진심이에요' (I am sincere/serious).

In modern slang, people just say '진심' as an exclamation or a question. '진심?' (For real?/Are you serious?). It's very common among younger people.

Yes. '진심으로 그렇게 생각해요' (I sincerely think so) is a great way to show you firmly believe in your opinion.

Yes, it's often used to say 'I sincerely loved you' (진심으로 사랑했어) or 'I sincerely wish you happiness' (진심으로 행복하길 빌어).

It comes from Hanja (Chinese characters). 'Jin' means true and 'Sim' means heart. It's a very old concept in East Asian philosophy regarding the 'original' or 'true' mind.