How to say "Serious" in Japanese

When translating "serious" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 深刻な and まじめな. In Japanese, 深刻な (しんこくな (shinkokuna)) is typically associated with "serious, severe, grave" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Describes a problem, situation, or condition that is grave, severe, or has serious implications, requiring serious attention.. On the other hand, まじめな (まじめな (majime na)) maps to "serious, diligent, earnest, honest" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A な-adjective. Describes someone's character or attitude as sincere, earnest, or hardworking. Generally used positively to commend a person's responsible nature.. A literal translation of "serious" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!