Japanese Conversation · Level 61
75 words
Japanese word
真面目
Pronunciation
Romajimajime
Meaning
- na-adjectiveserious
Example
彼女は真面目な学生です。kano jo wa majime na gaku sei de su
She is a serious student.
More examples
彼はいつも真面目に人の話を聞きます。kare wa i tsu mo majime ni hito no hanashi o ki ki ma su
He always listens carefully to what people say.
Core concept
Describes a steady, sincere attitude that treats a task or responsibility as important rather than casually.
Common phrases
真面目な話majime na hanashi
serious talk
真面目に考えるmajime ni kanga e ru
think seriously
Similar words
誠実seijitsu: Acts honestly and sincerely toward other people and responsibilities.
真剣shinken: Treats a particular matter as important and gives it full attention.
勤勉kinben: Works steadily and diligently, especially in study or other duties.
熱心nesshin: Shows strong interest and puts steady effort into an activity.
Definition in Japanese
ふざけたり怠けたりせず、物事に誠実に取り組むさま。fu za ke ta ri nama ke ta ri se zu mono goto ni sei jitsu ni to ri ku mu sa ma
Word origin
The reading 真面目 (majime) has no certain known origin; 真 (ma, "true") and 面目 (menboku, "honor or reputation") represent the established spelling rather than a proven derivation.
Usage tips
- In Japanese, 真面目 (majime) can describe a reliable, hardworking person, so serious does not necessarily mean gloomy or without a sense of humor.
Other meanings
- diligentna-adjective
Opposites
- 不真面目fumajimecarelessna-adjective
Related words
- 真面目さmajimesaseriousnessnoun