Japanese Conversation · Level 50
90 words
Japanese word
まめ
Pronunciation
Romajimame
Meaning
- na-adjectivehardworking
Example
母はまめな人です。haha wa ma me na hito de su
My mother is a hardworking person.
More examples
その店員は客へのまめな対応で信頼されています。so no ten in wa kyaku e no ma me na tai ō de shin rai sa re te i ma su
The clerk has earned customers' trust by providing attentive service.
Core concept
Conveys a steady, reliable attitude that gives careful attention to work and duties.
Common phrases
まめな対応ma me na tai ō
attentive service
まめに連絡するma me ni ren raku su ru
contact someone regularly
Similar words
こまめkomame: Describes someone who keeps up regular effort and deals with matters promptly.
勤勉kinben: Describes someone who continues to work diligently and consistently.
几帳面kichōmen: Describes someone who pays close attention to details and keeps tasks well organized.
Definition in Japanese
仕事や役割に対して誠実で、こつこつと努力するさま。shi goto ya yaku wari ni tai shi te sei jitsu de ko tsu ko tsu to do ryoku su ru sa ma
Word origin
The Japanese adjective まめ (mame, "diligent and faithful") comes from the older form まめなり (mamenari, "sincere and serious"), linking diligence with sincerity.
Usage tips
- In conversation, まめな人 (mame na hito) often describes someone who keeps up regular effort and handles responsibilities carefully rather than someone who works intensely only once.
Other meanings
- diligentna-adjective
- conscientiousna-adjective
Opposites
- 怠惰taidalazyna-adjective
- 不精bushōindolentna-adjective
Related words
- まめさmamesadiligencenoun
- まめまめしいmamemameshiidiligenti-adjective