How to say "Serious" in Japanese

When translating "serious" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 真剣な and 深刻. In Japanese, 真剣な (しんけんな (shinken na)) is typically associated with "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. On the other hand, 深刻 (しんこく (shinkoku)) maps to "serious, severe, grave, acute" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes a situation, problem, or condition that is grave, critical, or of great concern. Often used as a な-adjective. A literal translation of "serious" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!