Origin

The character 誠 combines the radical 言, meaning "words" or "speech," with 成, which serves as a sound hint for pronunciation. The left component 言 tells you this character relates to language or what people say, while 成 on the right suggests how the character sounds. The core idea is that true sincerity comes from words that are genuine and truthful — when your words match reality and your inner character, that is makoto, or sincerity. Over time, the meanings expanded to include related ideas like admonishment and truth, all rooted in the importance of honest speech.