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
深刻
しんこく (shinkoku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "serious" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 重大 and 深刻.
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, 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!
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 "深刻"
地球温暖化は人類にとって深刻な問題だ。
Global warming is a serious problem for humanity.
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.". "深刻" represents "serious, severe, grave, acute".