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
真剣な
しんけんな (shinken na)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "serious" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 重大 and 真剣な.
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, 真剣な (しんけんな (shinken na)) maps to "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. 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 "真剣な"
彼はいつも仕事に真剣に取り組んでいる。
He always tackles his work seriously.
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.". "真剣な" represents "serious, earnest".