Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Serious" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "serious", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
真面目な
まじめな (majime na)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
真剣
しんけん (shinken)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "serious" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 真面目な and 真剣.
In Japanese, 真面目な (まじめな (majime na)) is typically associated with "serious; diligent; earnest" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A な-adjective.
On the other hand, 真剣 (しんけん (shinken)) maps to "serious; earnest; playing for keeps; real sword style" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to acting serious, earnest, or playing for keeps with absolute concentration. A literal translation of "serious" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "真面目な"
彼はいつも真面目に勉強しています。
He always studies seriously.
Bilingual Context for "真剣"
将来の進路について両親と_______に話し合った結果、彼は海外の大学へ留学することを決意しました。
As a result of discussing his future career seriously with his parents, he resolved to study abroad at a foreign university.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼はいつも真面目に勉強しています。" (Meaning: "He always studies seriously.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "真面目な" fits here because it means "serious; diligent; earnest" in the context of: "He always studies seriously.". "真剣" represents "serious; earnest; playing for keeps; real sword style".