Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "深刻な", "重大", "真剣な", "まじめな"
All represent the core concept "serious", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
深刻な
しんこくな (shinkokuna)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
重大
じゅうだい (jūdai)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
真剣な
しんけんな (shinken na)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
まじめな
まじめな (majime na)
N3 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "serious" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "深刻な", "重大", "真剣な", "まじめな" based on context.
- 深刻な (しんこくな (shinkokuna) - Level: N3): Maps to "serious, severe, grave" and is used when Describes a problem, situation, or condition that is grave, severe, or has serious implications, requiring serious attention..
- 重大 (じゅうだい (jūdai) - Level: N3): Maps to "Serious, grave, important, significant" and is used when Emphasizes the importance, gravity, or severity of a matter. Often used for problems, decisions, news. Can be used with な as an adjective.
- 真剣な (しんけんな (shinken na) - Level: N3): Maps to "serious, earnest" and is used when Describes someone's attitude, effort, or a situation that requires seriousness. Often used with 「に」 as an adverb.
- まじめな (まじめな (majime na) - Level: N3): Maps to "serious, diligent, earnest, honest" and is used when A な-adjective. Describes someone's character or attitude as sincere, earnest, or hardworking. Generally used positively to commend a person's responsible nature..
Context for "深刻な"
地球温暖化は深刻な問題だ。
Global warming is a serious problem.
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.
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.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "地球温暖化は ＿＿＿ 問題だ。" (Meaning: "Global warming is a serious problem.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "深刻な" is correct here because it represents "serious, severe, grave" in the context: "Global warming is a serious problem.".