Explanation at your level:
Hello! 真面目に (majime ni) is a word that means you do something very carefully and without playing. Imagine you are building with blocks. If you build 真面目に, you put each block in the right place and don't knock them over. It means you are being serious and trying your best. Like when you eat your food nicely at the table, you are doing it 真面目に. It's about being good and focused!
真面目に (majime ni) is an adverb that tells us *how* someone does something. It means doing an action with seriousness, care, and effort. For example, if you 真面目に study for a test, you pay attention and do your homework carefully. If you talk 真面目に, you are not joking; you are being sincere. It’s the opposite of being silly or lazy when you do something important.
真面目に (majime ni) is an adverb used to describe an action performed with earnestness, diligence, or sincerity. When you work 真面目に, you focus on your task and put in genuine effort, without distractions. If you speak 真面目に, you convey a serious message without humor or lightheartedness. It’s about approaching tasks or conversations with a responsible and committed attitude, showing you are not being casual or frivolous.
As an adverb, 真面目に (majime ni) conveys a sense of earnestness, diligence, and sincerity in the execution of an action. It implies a lack of frivolity and a focused, responsible approach. For instance, a student who studies 真面目に is dedicated and puts in consistent effort, while someone who speaks 真面目に is being sincere and perhaps discussing a significant matter. It differentiates actions performed with genuine commitment from those done casually or playfully, often implying trustworthiness and reliability in the person performing the action.
真面目に (majime ni) functions as an adverb to characterize actions performed with a high degree of sincerity, earnestness, and diligence, often implying a conscious effort to avoid levity or superficiality. It can denote thoroughness in work or study, or profound sincerity in communication. The nuance often lies in the contrast with casualness or jest; performing an action 真面目に suggests a commitment to its importance and a serious engagement with its requirements. This can extend to describing a person's general demeanor as consistently earnest and responsible, reflecting a cultural value placed on such traits.
The adverb 真面目に (majime ni), derived from the adjective majime (serious, earnest), denotes the performance of an action with profound sincerity, unwavering diligence, and a notable absence of levity. Its usage transcends mere diligence, often implying a deep-seated conscientiousness and integrity in the execution of a task or the expression of thought. In more nuanced contexts, it can describe a demeanor that is almost stoically earnest, perhaps even to the point of being perceived as stiff by those valuing more relaxed approaches. The cultural resonance of majime as a highly prized virtue in Japanese society imbues the adverb with connotations of reliability, trustworthiness, and a commitment to duty that goes beyond simple effort.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Adverb meaning 'seriously,' 'diligently,' 'earnestly.'
- Describes actions done with focus and sincerity.
- Opposite of joking, carelessness, or half-heartedness.
- Commonly used for work, study, and serious conversation.
Hey there! Let's dive into the word 真面目に (majime ni). This is a super useful adverb in Japanese that basically means 'seriously,' 'diligently,' or 'honestly.' Think about when you're really focused on something, not messing around, and giving it your best effort. That's the vibe of 真面目に!
It's often used to describe how someone works, studies, or even talks. If someone is speaking 真面目に, they're being sincere and not joking. If they're working 真面目に, they're putting in a solid, honest effort. It’s all about that sincere, no-nonsense attitude!
So, whether you're tackling a tough assignment, having an important conversation, or just trying to be a good friend, using 真面目に helps paint a picture of genuine commitment and earnestness. It’s a word that really emphasizes sincerity in action!
The word 真面目に (majime ni) comes from the adjective 真面目 (majime), which means 'serious,' 'earnest,' or 'diligent.' The 'ni' (に) at the end is a common particle in Japanese that turns adjectives into adverbs, similar to how we add '-ly' in English.
The origin of 'majime' itself is a bit debated, but one theory suggests it might be related to the idea of something being 'true' or 'real' (真 - ma) and being 'straight' or 'proper' (面 - me, related to 面白い - omoshiroi, interesting, but also having a sense of face or appearance). So, it could imply maintaining a proper, true appearance or demeanor.
Historically, Japanese society has placed a high value on earnestness and diligence, especially in work and social conduct. The concept of 'majime' reflects this cultural emphasis on sincerity and responsibility. It's a quality often praised and associated with reliability and trustworthiness. Over time, 真面目に became the go-to adverb to describe actions performed with this valued trait.
You'll find 真面目に (majime ni) used in tons of situations! It's incredibly versatile. The key is understanding the context to grasp the exact nuance.
Working/Studying: This is a super common use. If your boss tells you to work 真面目に, they mean 'work diligently' or 'focus properly.' Similarly, a teacher might tell a student to study 真面目に.
Talking/Behaving: It can also mean 'seriously' or 'earnestly' in conversation or behavior. If someone asks if you were joking, you might reply, 'No, I was speaking 真面目に,' meaning 'I was being serious.' It implies a lack of playfulness or insincerity.
Attitude: It describes an attitude of sincerity. Someone who is always 真面目に is seen as reliable and responsible. It's the opposite of being flaky or unserious.
Common Collocations:
- 真面目に働く (majime ni hataraku): To work diligently.
- 真面目に勉強する (majime ni benkyou suru): To study earnestly.
- 真面目に話す (majime ni hanasu): To speak seriously.
- 真面目な顔 (majime na kao): A serious face (note: here 'majime' acts as a na-adjective).
The formality is generally neutral to slightly formal, making it suitable for most everyday and professional contexts. You wouldn't typically use it in very casual slang situations, but it fits perfectly in most other scenarios.
While 真面目に (majime ni) itself is a straightforward adverb, it's often part of expressions that highlight seriousness or sincerity.
1. 真面目な話 (majime na hanashi): Literally 'serious talk.' This refers to a conversation about important or sincere matters, not lighthearted chit-chat.
Example: 「ちょっと真面目な話があるんだけど、時間ある？」 (Chotto majime na hanashi ga aru n dakedo, jikan aru?) - 'I have something serious to talk about, do you have time?'
2. 真面目くさる (majimekusaru): To put on a very serious, perhaps overly solemn or stiff, expression or demeanor. It can sometimes imply being a bit pompous or humorless.
Example: 「そんなに真面目くさらないで、リラックスして。」 (Son'na ni majimekusaranaide, rirakkusu shite.) - 'Don't be so overly serious, relax.'
3. 真面目な顔で嘘をつく (majime na kao de uso o tsuku): To lie with a straight face. This idiom highlights the ability to deceive someone while appearing completely sincere.
Example: 彼は真面目な顔で嘘をつくのが得意だ。(Kare wa majime na kao de uso o tsuku no ga tokui da.) - 'He's good at lying with a straight face.'
4. 真面目すぎる (majime sugiru): To be too serious. This implies someone lacks a sense of humor or flexibility because they are excessively earnest.
Example: 彼はちょっと真面目すぎるから、もっとユーモアを学ぶべきだ。(Kare wa chotto majime sugiru kara, motto yūmoa o manabu beki da.) - 'He's a bit too serious, so he should learn more humor.'
5. 真面目に取り組む (majime ni torikumu): To tackle something earnestly or seriously. This emphasizes a dedicated and focused approach to a task or problem.
Example: このプロジェクトに真面目に取り組んでいます。(Kono purojekuto ni majime ni torikunde imasu.) - 'I am tackling this project earnestly.'
Grammar: 真面目に (majime ni) is an adverb. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to describe the manner in which something is done. It's formed by taking the na-adjective 真面目 (majime) and adding the adverbial particle に (ni).
Pronunciation:
- IPA (Japanese): /mad͡ʑime ni/
- Breakdown:
- ま (ma): Like the 'ma' in 'mama'.
- じ (ji): Like the 'ji' in 'jiggle'.
- め (me): Like the 'me' in 'menu'.
- に (ni): Like the 'nee' in 'need'.
- Stress: Japanese is largely pitch-accent based, not stress-based like English. There isn't a strong 'stress' on any one syllable, but the pitch pattern is relatively flat for this word.
- Common Errors: Learners might sometimes confuse it with the adjective form 真面目 (majime) or use it incorrectly before a verb. Remember, 真面目に modifies the action!
- Rhyming Words: Finding perfect rhymes in Japanese is tricky due to the syllable structure. However, words ending in '-ime ni' or '-ime' might sound somewhat similar in rhythm, like 惨め（みじめ）に (mijime ni - miserably).
Fun Fact
The concept of 'majime' is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, often associated with reliability and trustworthiness, qualities highly valued in both personal and professional life.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'mah-jee-meh nee', with a relatively flat pitch contour.
Similar to UK pronunciation, 'mah-jee-meh nee', without strong English stress.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'ji' too hard, like English 'jee'. It's softer.
- Adding English stress to syllables instead of following Japanese pitch patterns.
- Confusing the 'e' sound with a diphthong.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Commonly encountered, but nuances require context.
Relatively easy to use correctly in basic sentences.
Natural to use once the core meanings are understood.
Easily recognizable in conversation.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adverbial Use of に
The particle に is often used to turn adjectives (especially na-adjectives) into adverbs. Example: 静か (shizuka - quiet) -> 静かに (shizuka ni - quietly).
Na-Adjectives
Na-adjectives like 真面目 (majime) take な (na) before a noun (真面目な人) and に (ni) when used as an adverb (真面目に働く).
Verb Endings (Present Continuous)
The ～ている (te iru) form indicates an ongoing action. Example: 働いている (hataraite iru - is working).
Examples by Level
猫は真面目に寝ています。
Cat / seriously / sleep / is
Verb ending 'te imasu' indicates ongoing action.
弟は真面目に宿題をします。
Younger brother / seriously / homework / does
'o' particle marks the direct object (homework).
先生の話を真面目に聞きなさい。
Teacher / talk / seriously / listen (imperative)
'nasai' is a command form, telling someone to do something.
真面目に歩きましょう。
Seriously / let's walk
'mashou' is the volitional form, suggesting 'let's do something'.
これは真面目な顔です。
This / serious / face / is
'na' connects 'majime' to the noun 'kao' (face).
真面目に食べなさい。
Seriously / eat (imperative)
Imperative form 'nasai' used for polite commands.
彼は真面目な人です。
He / serious / person / is
'na' connects 'majime' to the noun 'hito' (person).
真面目に掃除をしてください。
Seriously / cleaning / please do
'shite kudasai' is a polite request.
彼はいつも真面目に仕事をしている。
He / always / diligently / work / is doing
Present continuous form 'shite iru' shows ongoing action.
もっと真面目に話してください。
More / seriously / please speak
'te kudasai' is a polite request.
真面目な態度で試験に臨んだ。
Serious / attitude / with / exam / faced
'de' indicates the manner or means.
彼女は真面目に勉強するので、成績がいい。
She / diligently / studies / so / grades / are good
'node' (so/because) connects the reason and result.
冗談ではなく、真面目に言っています。
Joke / not / seriously / am saying
'dē aru' or 'dearu' is a formal copula, here negated.
真面目に取り組むことが大切だ。
Diligently / tackle / doing that / is important
The structure 'verb-u koto ga taisetsu da' means 'doing X is important'.
彼は真面目な顔で嘘をついた。
He / serious / face / with / lie / told
'de' here indicates the manner ('with a serious face').
もっと真面目に練習しないと、試合に勝てませんよ。
More / diligently / practice / if not do / match / cannot win
'nai to' means 'if one doesn't do X...'
彼はどんな仕事も真面目にこなす実直な人物だ。
He / any / work / also / diligently / handles / upright / person / is
'sona-su' means to handle or get through a task.
この問題には真面目に議論する必要がある。
This / problem / for / seriously / discuss / need / exists
'hitsuyou ga aru' means 'there is a need'.
彼女は冗談を言っているのではなく、真面目に悩んでいるようだ。
She / joke / saying / not / seriously / worrying / seems
'you da' expresses appearance or seeming.
真面目に努力すれば、きっと道は開けるだろう。
Diligently / if strive / surely / path / will open / probably
'tara' (conditional) and 'darou' (probability) are used.
彼の真面目な話を聞いて、私も考えさせられた。
His / serious / talk / heard / I too / made think
Causative form 'saserareta' indicates being made to do something.
子供に真面目に勉強させるのは親の務めだ。
Child / to / diligently / study / make (causative) / parent's / duty / is
Causative form 'saseru' means 'to make someone do'.
真面目すぎる人は、時に融通が利かないと思われることがある。
Too serious / people / sometimes / flexibility / doesn't work / thought / sometimes happens
'to omowareru koto ga aru' means 'it is sometimes thought that...'
この件については、真面目に検討した結果、最善の策を講じることにした。
This / matter / regarding / seriously / considered / result / best / measure / take decided
'koto ni shita' means 'decided to do'.
彼の真面目な取り組み方には、誰もが感服せざるを得ない。
His / earnest / approach / everyone / must admire
'zaru o enai' expresses inevitability or compulsion ('cannot help but').
真面目な顔をしていても、裏では何を考えているか分からないものだ。
Serious / face / having even / behind the scenes / what / thinking / don't know
'mono da' expresses a general truth or common occurrence.
その提案は、真面目に検討する価値があると思う。
That / proposal / seriously / consider / worth / have think
'kachi ga aru' means 'is worth'.
彼は、真面目さを欠いていると批判されることを恐れているのかもしれない。
He / earnestness / lacking / criticized / being / fears / maybe
'kaku' means to lack; 'kaku koto o osorete iru' means 'fears lacking'.
真面目な議論を避ける傾向がある。
Serious / discussion / avoid / tendency / exists
'keikou ga aru' means 'there is a tendency'.
彼女の真面目な人柄は、多くの人から信頼を得ている理由だ。
Her / earnest / personality / many / people / from / trust / gained / reason / is
'hitogara' refers to personality or character.
真面目に取り組む姿勢こそが、成功への鍵となると信じている。
Diligently / tackling / attitude / precisely / success / towards / key / becomes / believe
'koso ga' emphasizes the subject; 'to shinjite iru' means 'believe that'.
その政治家は、国民に対して真面目に語りかける必要があった。
That / politician / citizens / towards / earnestly / speak / need / had
'hitsuyou ga atta' means 'there was a need'.
彼の芸術は、単なる技巧を超えた、真面目な探求の証である。
His / art / mere / technique / beyond / earnest / exploration / proof / is
'shō de aru' is a formal equivalent of 'desu' (is).
真面目さを装っていても、その言動の端々から本心が見え隠れする。
Earnestness / pretending / even / that / speech and actions / from small signs / true feelings / appear and disappear
'miēgaku suru' means to appear and disappear, to be visible intermittently.
現代社会においては、真面目な努力が必ずしも報われるとは限らないという現実がある。
Modern / society / in / earnest / effort / always / rewarded / not necessarily / reality / exists
'to wa kagiranai' means 'it is not necessarily the case that...'
彼の真面目な語り口は、時に聴衆を畏怖させるほどの説得力を持っていた。
His / earnest / way of speaking / sometimes / audience / awe-inspiring / level / persuasive power / had
'koto ga dekiru' or 'koto ga deki-nai' structures can be implied.
真面目な顔で冗談を言う彼のユーモアのセンスは独特だ。
Serious / face / with / joke / say / his / humor / sense / unique / is
Using 'de' to link the manner ('with a serious face') to the action.
その作家は、人間の心理を真面目に、かつ深く掘り下げている。
That / author / human / psychology / earnestly / and / deeply / digs into
'hori-sageru' means to dig deep into something.
真面目な議論がなされるべき場で、感情的な対立が表面化してしまった。
Serious / discussion / should be held / place / emotional / conflict / surfaced / unfortunately
'nisa-reru beki ba' means 'a place where X should be done'.
彼は、自身の限界を真面目に直視し、新たな挑戦への決意を固めた。
He / his own / limits / earnestly / face directly / new / challenge / towards / resolve / hardened
'kesshin o katameta' means 'to firm up one's resolve'.
彼の作品群は、表面的な軽妙さとは対照的に、人生の根源に対する真面目な問いかけに満ちている。
His / works / collection / superficial / lightheartedness / with / contrast / life / fundamental / towards / earnest / questioning / full / is
'ni michite iru' means 'is full of'.
真面目さを過度に追求するあまり、かえって人間味を失わせるきらいがある。
Earnestness / excessively / pursue / too much / paradoxically / humanity / lose / tendency / exists
'kirai ga aru' indicates a tendency or inclination, often negative.
その哲学者は、存在の本質について真面目な思索を重ね、独自の体系を構築した。
That / philosopher / existence / essence / about / earnest / contemplation / repeated / unique / system / constructed
'omowaku o kasaneru' means to engage in repeated contemplation.
彼の真面目な語り口調は、時に聴衆に一種の宗教的な高揚感すら抱かせる力があった。
His / earnest / tone of voice / sometimes / audience / a kind of / religious / uplifting feeling / even / inspire / power / had
'yō na' indicates 'a kind of' or 'as if'.
真面目な顔で悪戯を企む彼の姿は、喜劇役者としての才能を物語っていた。
Serious / face / with / mischief / planning / his / appearance / comedy actor / as / talent / told
'monogatari-te ita' means 'it told the story of' or 'it indicated'.
この歴史的文書は、当時の社会情勢を真面目に記録した貴重な資料である。
This / historical document / then / society / conditions / earnestly / recorded / valuable / resource / is
'de aru' is a formal copula, suitable for academic or official statements.
真面目な議論が許容される環境にあってこそ、真の進歩は望めるのだ。
Serious / discussion / permitted / environment / in / only then / true / progress / can be hoped for
'ni atte koso' means 'only in/under X condition'.
彼は、自らの限界を真摯に、そして真面目に直視することで、人間的成長を遂げた。
He / his own / limits / sincerely / and / earnestly / face directly / by means of / human / growth / achieved
'totsuge-ta' is the past tense of 'to-geru' (to achieve).
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"真面目な顔で嘘をつく (majime na kao de uso o tsuku)"
To lie while maintaining a serious, convincing expression; to tell a fib with a straight face.
彼は真面目な顔で嘘をつくのが得意で、誰も信じてしまう。
neutral"真面目くさる (majimekusaru)"
To put on an overly serious or solemn demeanor, often humorlessly.
そんなに真面目くさらないで、もう少しリラックスしようよ。
casual"真面目な話 (majime na hanashi)"
A serious conversation about important matters, distinct from casual chat.
さて、ここらで一つ真面目な話をしようか。
neutral"真面目すぎる (majime sugiru)"
To be excessively serious; lacking in humor or flexibility.
彼は真面目すぎるから、たまには息抜きも必要だ。
neutral"真面目に取り組む (majime ni torikumu)"
To approach a task or problem with earnestness and dedication.
この難問に真面目に取り組む覚悟がある。
neutral"真面目な顔つき (majime na kaotsuki)"
A serious or earnest facial expression.
子供の頃から、彼はいつも真面目な顔つきだった。
neutralEasily Confused
Both mean 'seriously' and are adverbs.
真面目に often implies diligence, earnestness, and responsibility in general tasks or demeanor. 真剣に implies a more intense, focused seriousness, often in response to a critical situation, danger, or a very important decision.
「真面目に勉強しなさい」(Majime ni benkyou shinasai - Study diligently/earnestly) vs 「真剣に考えろ！」(Shinken ni kangae-ro! - Think seriously/intensely about this!)
Both convey a sense of sincerity and honesty.
真面目に focuses more on diligence and earnestness in action. 誠実に emphasizes faithfulness, sincerity, and integrity, often related to promises, character, or dealings with others.
「彼は真面目に仕事をした」(Kare wa majime ni shigoto o shita - He worked diligently) vs 「彼は誠実に約束を守った」(Kare wa seijitsu ni yakusoku o mamotta - He faithfully kept his promise).
Both describe a positive way of doing something.
真面目に emphasizes seriousness and diligence. 熱心に highlights enthusiasm, eagerness, and passion, often towards a specific activity like a hobby or study.
「熱心に練習する」(Nesshin ni renshuu suru - Practice enthusiastically) vs 「真面目に練習する」(Majime ni renshuu suru - Practice diligently/earnestly).
It's often presented as an opposite or related concept.
いい加減に is the opposite, meaning carelessly, half-heartedly, or excessively (e.g., 'enough already!'). It implies a lack of seriousness and proper effort, contrasting sharply with 真面目に.
「もっと真面目にやりなさい！」(Motto majime ni yarinasai! - Do it more diligently!) vs 「いい加減にしてください！」(Iikagen ni shite kudasai! - Stop messing around! / That's enough!)
Sentence Patterns
Subject + は/が + 真面目に + Verb
彼女は真面目に勉強している。(Kanojo wa majime ni benkyou shite iru.) - She is studying diligently.
真面目な + Noun
真面目な話を聞いた。(Majime na hanashi o kiita.) - I heard a serious talk.
Adverb + に + Verb
真面目に考えよう。(Majime ni kangae-you.) - Let's think about it seriously.
Verb (te-form) + ください / なさい
真面目に聞いてください。(Majime ni kiite kudasai.) - Please listen seriously.
Subject + は + 真面目(な) + Noun + です/だ
彼は真面目な人です。(Kare wa majime na hito desu.) - He is a serious person.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
真面目 is an adjective (or noun). To modify a verb, you need the adverbial form 真面目に.
While related, 真面目に emphasizes seriousness and diligence, 熱心に emphasizes enthusiasm, and 誠実に emphasizes sincerity and honesty.
While not strictly wrong, 真面目に can sound a bit stiff or overly serious among close friends in lighthearted contexts.
真面目な is the 'na-adjective' form used before nouns (e.g., 真面目な人). The adverb form 真面目に precedes verbs (e.g., 真面目に働く).
The context determines the precise meaning. It covers a range from hard work to sincere behavior.
Tips
Sound Association
Think of 'Maji-me!' as an exclamation when you have to do something serious. 'Maji' sounds like 'my G' (my guy) - like, 'My guy, this is serious!'
Value of Earnestness
Remember that earnestness and diligence (majime-sa) are highly respected qualities in Japan. Understanding this helps grasp why the word is so common and important.
Adverb vs. Adjective
Quick check: If it comes *before* a noun (like 'serious person'), use 真面目な (majime na). If it describes *how* an action is done (like 'work diligently'), use 真面目に (majime ni).
Smooth 'Ji'
Practice the 'ji' sound (じ) – it's softer than the English 'jee'. Aim for a sound closer to the 'j' in 'jeopardy' but lighter.
Don't Forget the 'ni'!
A very common mistake is forgetting the に (ni) particle. Remember, 真面目 (majime) is the adjective/noun, but 真面目に (majime ni) is the adverb that modifies verbs.
The 'Straight Face' Lie
The idiom '真面目な顔で嘘をつく' (to lie with a serious face) highlights how effectively sincerity can be feigned, a concept understood across cultures.
Act it Out!
Try performing simple actions (writing, eating, listening) both 'majime ni' and 'fuzakete' (jokingly). Notice the difference in your body language and focus.
Use it for Yourself!
Describe your own actions: 'I need to study 真面目に for the exam.' or 'I spoke 真面目に to my friend about the problem.'
Build on 'Majime'
Learn related words like 真面目な (adjective) and 真面目すぎる (too serious) to build a richer understanding.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine someone named 'Maji' who is always 'me' (me) doing things seriously. 'Maji-me!'
Visual Association
Picture someone with a very straight, serious face, diligently working at a desk, perhaps with a single drop of sweat on their brow.
Word Web
Challenge
Try describing three different actions you did today using 真面目に. For example: 'I ate breakfast 真面目に.' (Maybe you were really focused on not spilling anything!)
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: Likely related to 'true/real' (真) and 'face/appearance' (面), implying a proper or true demeanor.
Cultural Context
Generally a positive term, implying good character. However, being 'too majime' (真面目すぎる) can sometimes be seen negatively, implying a lack of flexibility or humor.
In English, we might use 'seriously,' 'diligently,' 'earnestly,' 'conscientiously,' or 'with all sincerity' depending on the context. There isn't one perfect equivalent that captures all nuances.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At Work / School
- 真面目に働いてください。(Majime ni hataraite kudasai.) - Please work diligently.
- もっと真面目に勉強しなさい。(Motto majime ni benkyou shinasai.) - Study more earnestly.
- 真面目な態度で臨む。(Majime na taido de nozomu.) - To approach with a serious attitude.
Important Conversations
- 真面目な話があります。(Majime na hanashi ga arimasu.) - I have something serious to discuss.
- 冗談ではなく、真面目に言っています。(Joudan de wa naku, majime ni itte imasu.) - I'm not joking, I'm being serious.
- 真面目な顔で聞ってください。(Majime na kao de kiite kudasai.) - Please listen with a serious expression.
Describing Character
- 彼は真面目な性格だ。(Kare wa majime na seikaku da.) - He has a serious personality.
- 真面目すぎる人は少し疲れる。(Majime sugiru hito wa sukoshi tsukareru.) - People who are too serious can be a bit tiring.
- 真面目な人柄は信頼できる。(Majime na hitogara wa shinrai dekiru.) - An earnest personality is trustworthy.
General Behavior
- 真面目に歩く。(Majime ni aruku.) - To walk steadily/properly.
- 真面目に食べる。(Majime ni taberu.) - To eat neatly/seriously.
- 真面目に取り組む。(Majime ni torikumu.) - To tackle something earnestly.
Conversation Starters
"What's something you need to start doing 'majime ni'?"
"Can you think of a time you had to speak 'majime ni'?"
"Is it better to be 'majime ni' or 'nesshin ni' when learning something new?"
"Tell me about someone you know who is very 'majime na'."
"What does 'majime ni' mean in your daily life?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you worked 'majime ni' towards a goal. What was the result?
Reflect on the importance of seriousness ('majime-sa') in your culture or personal life.
Write about a situation where you initially acted carelessly ('iikagen ni') but then decided to approach it 'majime ni'.
How can you incorporate more 'majime ni' into your study habits?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsBoth mean 'seriously'. 真面目に often implies diligence and earnestness in a broader sense (work, study, general behavior). 真剣に often implies a more intense, focused seriousness, especially in critical or urgent situations, like facing a serious danger or problem.
Yes. You can eat 真面目に (carefully, without making a mess), or walk 真面目に (steadily, without skipping or running wildly). It emphasizes the manner of the action, focusing on doing it properly.
Generally, yes. Being 'majime' is seen as a positive trait, indicating reliability and responsibility. However, being 'too majime' (真面目すぎる) can sometimes imply being stiff or lacking humor.
It depends heavily on context. Common translations include 'seriously,' 'diligently,' 'earnestly,' 'conscientiously,' 'honestly,' or 'properly'.
It's used by everyone, regardless of gender. It describes a quality or manner of action valued across society.
Common opposites include いい加減に (iikagen ni - carelessly, half-heartedly), ふざけて (fuzakete - jokingly, playfully), or 適当に (tekitou ni - casually, carelessly).
The adverb 真面目に can modify most verbs to describe the manner. The adjective 真面目な modifies nouns. It's very versatile.
Not necessarily. While it means 'serious,' it doesn't automatically mean 'boring.' It emphasizes sincerity and focus. Someone can be seriously passionate about something exciting!
Test Yourself
Please ______ listen to the teacher.
The context implies paying attention, which aligns with 'seriously' (真面目に).
Which word means 'diligently'?
真面目に means diligently or seriously, while ふざけて means jokingly and 適当に means carelessly.
真面目に (majime ni) can describe working hard without slacking off.
This is a primary meaning of 真面目に, emphasizing diligence and focus.
Word
Meaning
These are common phrases showing how 真面目(に) is used.
The correct sentence is '彼は真面目に仕事をする' (He works diligently).
He told a lie with a ______ face.
The Japanese idiom '真面目な顔で嘘をつく' translates to lying with a serious/straight face.
Which situation best describes someone acting '真面目に'?
Practicing with intense focus and dedication is a prime example of acting 真面目に (diligently, earnestly).
The term '真面目すぎる' (too serious) is always a compliment in Japanese culture.
While seriousness is valued, being 'too serious' can imply inflexibility or a lack of humor, which is not always positive.
Please ______ clean your room.
A request to clean implies doing it with care and attention, hence 'seriously' (真面目に).
The correct sentence is '私に真面目な話がある' (I have something serious to talk about).
Score: /10
Summary
真面目に (majime ni) is your go-to adverb for describing actions performed with genuine focus, effort, and sincerity.
- Adverb meaning 'seriously,' 'diligently,' 'earnestly.'
- Describes actions done with focus and sincerity.
- Opposite of joking, carelessness, or half-heartedness.
- Commonly used for work, study, and serious conversation.
Sound Association
Think of 'Maji-me!' as an exclamation when you have to do something serious. 'Maji' sounds like 'my G' (my guy) - like, 'My guy, this is serious!'
Context is Key
Always consider the situation. Is the person working hard? Being sincere? Acting responsibly? This will help you choose the best English translation for 真面目に.
Value of Earnestness
Remember that earnestness and diligence (majime-sa) are highly respected qualities in Japan. Understanding this helps grasp why the word is so common and important.
Adverb vs. Adjective
Quick check: If it comes *before* a noun (like 'serious person'), use 真面目な (majime na). If it describes *how* an action is done (like 'work diligently'), use 真面目に (majime ni).
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More emotions words
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
