Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "真面目", "重大", "深刻", "謹厳"
All represent the core concept "serious", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
真面目
まじめ (majime)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
重大
じゅうだい (jūdai)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
深刻
しんこく (shinkoku)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
謹厳
きんげん (kingen)
N1 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "serious" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "真面目", "重大", "深刻", "謹厳" based on context.
- 真面目 (まじめ (majime) - Level: N4): Maps to "serious, diligent, honest" and is used when な-形容詞.
- 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.
- 深刻 (しんこく (shinkoku) - Level: N2): Maps to "serious, severe, grave, acute" and is used when Describes a situation, problem, or condition that is grave, critical, or of great concern. Often used as a な-adjective.
- 謹厳 (きんげん (kingen) - Level: N1): Maps to "serious; solemn; grave; strict; austere" and is used when Describes a person's character, attitude, or appearance as being very serious, strict, and formal, often implying a lack of humor or lightheartedness. 真面目で厳格な態度や様子を指す。.
Context for "真面目"
彼はいつも真面目に仕事に取り組んでいる。
He always approaches his work diligently.
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 "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.
Context for "謹厳"
彼はいつも謹厳な態度で仕事に取り組んでいる。
He always approaches his work with a serious and strict attitude.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼はいつも ＿＿＿ に仕事に取り組んでいる。" (Meaning: "He always approaches his work diligently.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "真面目" is correct here because it represents "serious, diligent, honest" in the context: "He always approaches his work diligently.".