Translation guide
The quality of being serious, sincere, or earnest, often contrasted with joking or lightheartedness. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various words and phrases depending on whether you mean a lack of humor, a grave situation, or a sincere attitude.
Expressing that someone is serious, not joking, or genuinely committed.
The most common and versatile word for 'seriousness' in the sense of being earnest, sincere, or not joking. Often used in phrases like 本気で (seriously, in earnest).
彼は本気で言っているの？
Is he serious? (Is he saying that in earnest?)
本気で日本語を勉強したい。
I seriously want to study Japanese.
Means serious, earnest, or diligent. Often describes a person's character or attitude. Can also mean 'honest' or 'sober'.
彼は真面目な人だ。
He is a serious person.
真面目に考えてください。
Please think about it seriously.
Literally 'real sword', metaphorically means 'serious' or 'in earnest'. Often used in contexts like 真剣に (seriously, earnestly). Slightly more intense than 本気.
真剣に話を聞いてほしい。
I want you to listen to me seriously.
Literally 'without jokes', meaning 'seriously' or 'all joking aside'. Used to emphasize that one is not joking.
冗談抜きで、本当にそう思う。
Joking aside, I really think so.
Describing a situation that is serious, grave, or critical, often implying danger or urgency.
Means serious, grave, or severe, typically used for situations, problems, or expressions. Implies depth and severity.
事態は深刻だ。
The situation is serious.
深刻な問題に直面している。
We are facing a serious problem.
Means serious, grave, or significant, often used for matters, incidents, or consequences. Emphasizes importance and weight.
Primarily used in medical contexts to mean 'serious' or 'critical' (of a condition or illness).
Describing a person, atmosphere, or expression that is serious, solemn, or dignified, without levity.
Means solemn, grave, or serious, often used for ceremonies, atmospheres, or expressions. Implies a dignified seriousness.
式は厳粛に行われた。
The ceremony was conducted with solemnity.
Also used for a serious, sober, or earnest demeanor, as opposed to being frivolous or playful.
本気 (honki) emphasizes genuine intention or commitment, often used when contrasting with joking or half-heartedness. 真面目 (majime) describes a person's character as serious, diligent, or earnest. 真剣 (shinken) conveys intense seriousness, as if one's life depended on it, and is often used in competitive or high-stakes situations.
When describing a serious illness or injury, use 重篤 (jūtoku) or 深刻 (shinkoku) rather than 本気 or 真面目, which would sound unnatural.
これは重大な問題だ。
This is a serious problem.
The patient is in a serious condition.
He tells jokes with a straight face.