Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Serious" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "serious", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
深刻な
しんこくな (shinkokuna)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
真剣な
しんけんな (shinken na)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "serious" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 深刻な and 真剣な.
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, 真剣な (しんけんな (shinken na)) maps to "serious, earnest" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Describes someone's attitude, effort, or a situation that requires seriousness. Often used with 「に」 as an adverb. A literal translation of "serious" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "深刻な"
地球温暖化は深刻な問題だ。
Global warming is a serious problem.
Bilingual Context for "真剣な"
彼はいつも仕事に真剣に取り組んでいる。
He always tackles his work seriously.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "地球温暖化は ＿＿＿ 問題だ。" (Meaning: "Global warming is a serious problem.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "深刻な" fits here because it means "serious, severe, grave" in the context of: "Global warming is a serious problem.". "真剣な" represents "serious, earnest".