Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "重大", "真剣な", "まじめな", "深刻"
All represent the core concept "serious", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
重大
じゅうだい (jūdai)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
真剣な
しんけんな (shinken na)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
まじめな
まじめな (majime na)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
深刻
しんこく (shinkoku)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "serious" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "重大", "真剣な", "まじめな", "深刻" based on context.
- 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..
- 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.
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.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
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" is correct here because it represents "Serious, grave, important, significant" in the context: "This is a serious problem for the company.".