synonym Comparative
真剣
VS
本当
Differences Between "真剣" and "本当"
Option A
真剣
Meaning
serious; earnest; playing for keeps; real sword style
Reading
しんけん (shinken)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
将来の進路について両親と_______に話し合った結果、彼は海外の大学へ留学することを決意しました。
As a result of discussing his future career seriously with his parents, he resolved to study abroad at a foreign university.
Option B
本当
Meaning
true; real; really; truly
Reading
ほんとう (hontō)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
その話は本当ですか。
Is that story true?
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(serious; earnest; playing for keeps; real sword style)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 真剣: Refers to acting serious, earnest, or playing for keeps with absolute concentration (originally practicing with a real sword instead of wooden). Often used as 真剣に取り組む or 真剣な表情. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Serious! 'I am serious about marrying Haruka!' ...っ, T-To say that with such earnest eyes... I-I can't act tsundere! A-Alright, I accept your serious love...' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『しんけん（真剣）よ！『僕はハルカさんとの結婚を真剣に考えています』なんて、そんなに真剣な目で見つめられたら、ツンツンできないじゃない…っ。…わかったわ、あんたの真剣な愛、受け止めてあげる…っ。』
- 本当: Can be used as a noun (本当のこと - the truth), a な-adjective (本当の話 - a true story), or an adverb (本当に嬉しい - really happy). Often used in questions to express surprise or confirm information. (名詞、な形容詞、副詞として使われます。「本当ですか？」のように驚きや確認の質問でよく使われます。)
- 真剣: Refers to acting serious, earnest, or playing for keeps with absolute concentration (originally practicing with a real sword instead of wooden). Often used as 真剣に取り組む or 真剣な表情. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Serious! 'I am serious about marrying Haruka!' ...っ, T-To say that with such earnest eyes... I-I can't act tsundere! A-Alright, I accept your serious love...' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『しんけん（真剣）よ！『僕はハルカさんとの結婚を真剣に考えています』なんて、そんなに真剣な目で見つめられたら、ツンツンできないじゃない…っ。…わかったわ、あんたの真剣な愛、受け止めてあげる…っ。』
- 本当: Can be used as a noun (本当のこと - the truth), a な-adjective (本当の話 - a true story), or an adverb (本当に嬉しい - really happy). Often used in questions to express surprise or confirm information. (名詞、な形容詞、副詞として使われます。「本当ですか？」のように驚きや確認の質問でよく使われます。)
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