Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Serious" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "serious", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
重大
じゅうだい (jūdai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
まじめな
まじめな (majime na)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "serious" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 重大 and まじめな.
In Japanese, 重大 (じゅうだい (jūdai)) is typically associated with "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.
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!
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.
Bilingual Context for "まじめな"
彼はいつもまじめに仕事に取り組んでいる。
He always approaches his work diligently.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "これは会社にとって ＿＿＿ な問題です。" (Meaning: "This is a serious problem for the company.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "重大" fits here because it means "Serious, grave, important, significant" in the context of: "This is a serious problem for the company.". "まじめな" represents "serious, diligent, earnest, honest".