Japanese word

真剣

Pronunciation

Romajishinken

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveserious

Example

彼は真剣です。kare wa shin ken de su

He is serious.

Illustration for 真剣 (serious)

More examples

彼女は将来の仕事について真剣に考えています。kano jo wa shō rai no shi goto ni tsu i te shin ken ni kanga e te i ma su

She is thinking seriously about her future career.

Core concept

Expresses sincere concentration and a firm commitment to dealing with something without taking it lightly.

Common phrases

  • 真剣な態度shin ken na tai do

    serious attitude

  • 真剣に受け止めるshin ken ni u ke to me ru

    take seriously

Similar words

真面目majime: Describes an earnest attitude that gives proper attention to a task or matter.
本気honki: Describes a genuine intention or determination to do something.
深刻shinkoku: Describes a grave condition or problem with important consequences.

Definition in Japanese

物事を軽く扱わず、真面目な気持ちで向き合うさま。mono goto o karu ku atsuka wa zu majime na ki mo chi de mu ki a u sa ma

Word origin

真 (shin, "true") + 剣 (ken, "sword") refers literally to a real sword, and this sense developed into the idea of facing something with earnest seriousness.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 真剣 (shinken) often describes a focused attitude or expression, so serious can refer to concentration as well as importance.

Other meanings

  • earnestna-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 真剣さshinkensaseriousnessnoun
  • 真剣味shinkenmiearnestnessnoun

Word lists with this word