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
重大
じゅうだい (jūdai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "serious" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 深刻な and 重大.
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, 重大 (じゅうだい (jūdai)) maps to "Serious, grave, important, significant" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Emphasizes the importance, gravity, or severity of a matter. Often used for problems, decisions, news. Can be used with な as an adjective. 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 "重大"
これは会社にとって重大な問題です。
This is a serious problem for the company.
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.". "重大" represents "Serious, grave, important, significant".