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A2 noun #3,000 most common 9 min read

真面目

majime
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 真面目 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 真面目 in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'majime' is introduced as a simple adjective to describe people. You can think of it as the opposite of 'lazy' or 'funny' (in the sense of joking around). Beginners use it in simple sentences like 'He is serious' (Kare wa majime desu). It is often one of the first adjectives students learn because it describes the 'ideal' student character. At this stage, don't worry about the nuance—just remember it as 'serious' or 'hardworking.' It is a 'na-adjective,' so remember to add 'na' when putting it before a noun, like 'majime na hito' (a serious person). It's a very safe word to use to praise someone's effort in class or at a part-time job. Even at A1, you might hear teachers say 'Majime ni!' to tell students to focus and stop playing around. It's a foundation word for describing personality.
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At the A2 level, you start to see 'majime' used as an adverb by adding 'ni' (majime ni). This allows you to describe how someone does something, such as 'majime ni benkyou suru' (study seriously). You also begin to understand that 'majime' isn't just about being grumpy; it's about being reliable. In A2 grammar, you might use it with comparison structures, like 'Tanaka-san is more serious than Suzuki-san.' You also start to recognize the kanji 真面目. The first kanji 'shin' (true) and 'men' (face) combined with 'me' (eye) create a visual of a 'true face'—someone who isn't wearing a mask or pretending. This level is where you distinguish between 'majime' (serious person) and 'maji' (slang for 'really?'). You should also be able to use it to describe your own work ethic in simple job interviews for part-time work (baito).
At the B1 level, the nuances of 'majime' become more important. You learn that while it is usually a compliment, it can sometimes be used slightly negatively to mean someone is 'too serious' or 'stiff' (majime-sugiru). You start to encounter it in more complex social contexts, such as dating or professional reputation. You should be able to distinguish 'majime' from 'shinken' (intense/serious about a specific task). B1 learners use 'majime' to discuss social issues, like the Japanese work ethic. You might also learn phrases like 'majime na hanashi' (a serious talk/conversation) to signal a change in tone from casual to important. Understanding the social expectation of being 'majime' in Japanese society is a key part of B1 cultural competence. You'll see it used in news articles describing the character of public figures or the expected behavior of citizens during a crisis.
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By B2, you should be comfortable using 'majime' in a wide variety of registers. You understand that 'majime' is a core part of the 'omote' (public face) in Japan. You can use it in formal writing to describe the 'earnestness' of a company's mission or the 'diligent' nature of a research project. You also start to learn related words like 'kichoumen' (methodical) or 'seijitsu' (sincere) and can explain the difference between them. B2 learners can use 'majime' in more abstract ways, such as describing a 'serious' movie or book theme. You might also encounter the verb 'majime-kusaru' (to act overly serious/stiff) in literature or advanced conversations. At this level, you are expected to understand the pressure associated with being 'majime' and how it relates to concepts like 'giri' (obligation) and 'ninjo' (human feeling).
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At the C1 level, you explore the philosophical and sociological implications of the 'majime' identity. You might read essays discussing how the 'majime' culture contributed to Japan's post-war economic miracle, but also how it might contribute to modern issues like 'karoshi' (death from overwork). You understand the subtle irony when 'majime' is used in satire. C1 learners can use the word to navigate delicate social situations, perhaps using it to gently mock their own stiffness or to provide a deep character analysis of a literary figure. You are familiar with the etymology—how it moved from 'true face' to 'earnestness'—and can use this knowledge to appreciate puns or wordplay in high-level Japanese. Your use of the word is precise, choosing it over 'kinben' or 'seijitsu' to hit exactly the right note of character description.
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At the C2 level, 'majime' is a tool for nuanced expression. you can use it to discuss the evolution of Japanese values across generations—how the 'majime' of the Showa era differs from the 'majime' of the Reiwa era. You can analyze the word's appearance in classical literature and its transition into modern slang. C2 speakers can use 'majime' to describe complex psychological states where one's earnestness becomes a burden or a mask. You have a native-like grasp of when to use the word to build rapport, when to use it to establish professional distance, and when to use it to express deep respect. You understand the 'majime' trope in all forms of media and can critique it. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item; it's a window into the Japanese psyche that you can manipulate with total control and cultural sensitivity.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

真面目 in 30 Seconds

  • Majime means serious, diligent, and reliable in Japanese.
  • It is a na-adjective used for personality and work ethic.
  • It is generally a compliment but can mean 'too stiff' in some contexts.
  • It is different from 'shinken' (intensity) or 'shinkoku' (severe situation).

The Japanese word 真面目 (まじめ - majime) is one of the most fundamental descriptors of character in the Japanese language. While often translated simply as 'serious' or 'diligent' in English, its cultural weight and nuance go much deeper than a simple personality trait. To be majime is to be earnest, honest, reliable, and sincere. It describes someone who takes their responsibilities seriously, follows the rules, and approaches life with a sense of integrity. In a society that values group harmony and reliability, being called majime is generally a high compliment, though like any trait, it can have its nuances depending on the context.

The Core Essence
At its heart, 真面目 refers to a person's fundamental attitude toward life and work. It isn't just about not laughing or being 'no-fun'; rather, it is about the absence of frivolity or deceit. A majime person is someone you can trust to finish a task without supervision because their own internal compass demands it.
The Social Context
In Japanese schools and workplaces, majime-sa (the quality of being serious) is the bedrock of evaluation. A student who isn't the smartest but is majime is often more respected than a genius who is lazy. In the workplace, a majime employee is the one who arrives five minutes early and ensures every detail of a report is accurate.

彼は仕事に対して非常に真面目な態度をとっている。
(Kare wa shigoto ni taishite hijō ni majime na taido o totte iru.)
He takes a very serious/earnest attitude toward his work.

The word is versatile. It can describe a person's character (真面目な人), a specific action (真面目に勉強する), or even the nature of a conversation or relationship (真面目な話). It is often used to distinguish between someone who is 'playing around' and someone who is 'for real.' If you are dating someone in Japan and they say they are 'majime' about the relationship, it means they are looking for something long-term and sincere, not just a casual fling.

もっと真面目にやってください！
(Motto majime ni yatte kudasai!)
Please do it more seriously/properly!

Common Usage Scenarios
1. **Academic Success:** Teachers often describe top-performing students as majime because they turn in homework on time.
2. **Job Interviews:** Candidates often describe themselves as majime to signal reliability.
3. **Relationship Sincerity:** Discussing 'majime na kousai' (serious dating).

冗談はやめて、真面目に答えてよ。
(Jōdan wa yamete, majime ni kotaete yo.)
Stop joking around and answer me seriously.

In summary, 真面目 is the gold standard for personal integrity in Japan. It encompasses diligence, honesty, and a lack of playfulness where playfulness is inappropriate. Understanding this word is key to understanding the Japanese social contract.

Using 真面目 (majime) correctly requires understanding its grammatical function as a na-adjective (adjectival noun). This means it can function as both a noun and an adjective, requiring the particle な (na) when modifying a noun, and に (ni) when functioning as an adverb to modify a verb.

As a Na-Adjective
When you want to describe a person or a thing as serious, use 'majime na'.
[Noun] + は + 真面目です (The noun is serious).
真面目な + [Noun] (A serious [noun]).

田中さんはとても真面目な学生です。
(Tanaka-san wa totemo majime na gakusei desu.)
Mr. Tanaka is a very serious/diligent student.

As an Adverb
To describe how an action is performed (e.g., 'working seriously'), change na to ni.
真面目に + [Verb] (To do [verb] seriously).

毎日真面目に練習すれば、必ず上手になります。
(Mainichi majime ni renshū sureba, kanarazu jōzu ni narimasu.)
If you practice seriously every day, you will definitely become good at it.

そんなに真面目な顔をしないでよ。
(Sonna ni majime na kao o shinai de yo.)
Don't make such a serious face.

You will also see it paired with the verb 腐る (kusaru - to rot) in the idiomatic expression 真面目腐る (majime-kusaru), which means to be 'disgustingly serious' or 'too serious for one's own good,' often used in a slightly mocking way to describe someone who is acting overly stiff or formal.

彼は真面目だけが取り柄だ。
(Kare wa majime dake ga torie da.)
His only redeeming feature is his seriousness/diligence.

Finally, in casual speech, you might hear people use it as a standalone reaction: 「え、真面目？」 (E, majime?) which translates to 'Wait, are you serious?' or 'For real?'—similar to the English 'Seriously?'. However, 本気 (honki) or マジ (maji) are more common for this specific 'Are you kidding?' nuance.

You will encounter 真面目 (majime) in almost every corner of Japanese life, from the formal halls of a corporate office to the casual banter of a high school classroom. It is a word that defines the social expectations of the 'ideal' Japanese citizen. Here is where it pops up most frequently:

In the Japanese Education System
From elementary school, children are taught to be majime. Teachers use the word to praise students who listen quietly and follow instructions. Report cards often use it to describe a student's attitude. If a teacher says, 'You are majime,' they are giving you a gold star for behavior and effort.

学校では真面目な生徒だった。
(Gakkō de wa majime na seito datta.)
I was a serious/diligent student in school.

In the Corporate World
Reliability is the currency of the Japanese workplace. Employers look for majime candidates because they are seen as less likely to quit, cause trouble, or make careless mistakes. During performance reviews, being majime can compensate for a lack of raw skill, as it implies a willingness to improve and stay loyal to the company.

彼は真面目にコツコツと働くタイプだ。
(Kare wa majime ni kotsukotsu to hataraku taipu da.)
He is the type who works steadily and seriously.

この映画は、真面目なテーマを扱っている。
(Kono eiga wa, majime na tēma o atsukatte iru.)
This movie deals with a serious theme.

In the world of dating apps or matchmaking (omiai), majime is a top-tier keyword. If someone writes '真面目な出会いを求めています' (Searching for a serious encounter), they are signaling that they are not looking for a one-night stand. They want a relationship that leads to marriage. It’s a way of filtering for sincerity in a digital age.

もっと真面目に人生を考えなさい。
(Motto majime ni jinsei o kangaenasai.)
Think about your life more seriously.

Whether it's a boss giving feedback or a friend asking for a heart-to-heart, 真面目 is the word that calls for attention, effort, and honesty.

Because 'serious' has multiple meanings in English, English speakers often use 真面目 (majime) in contexts where it doesn't quite fit. Understanding these pitfalls will make your Japanese sound much more natural.

Mistake 1: Using it for 'Serious Situations'
In English, we say 'This is a serious problem.' If you say 'Majime na mondai,' a Japanese person might think the problem itself has a diligent personality! For situations, use 深刻 (shinkoku) or 重大 (jūdai).

❌ 彼は真面目な病気です。
✅ 彼は重い病気です。
(He has a serious illness.)

Mistake 2: Confusing it with 'Shinken' (真剣)
Majime is a personality trait. Shinken is a state of mind or intensity. You can be a majime person but not be shinken about a specific game of cards. Conversely, a lazy person can be shinken (deadly serious) for five minutes during a race. Shinken literally means 'real sword'—it's high stakes intensity.

彼は真剣な眼差しで私を見た。
(He looked at me with a serious/intense gaze.)

Mistake 3: Pronunciation of 'Maji' vs 'Majime'
While マジ (maji) is derived from majime, they are used very differently. Maji is slang for 'Really?' or 'Seriously?' and is extremely informal. Never use maji in a business setting, even if you are describing yourself as a majime worker.

彼は真面目すぎて冗談が通じない。
(He is too serious and can't take a joke.)

To avoid these mistakes, always ask yourself: Am I describing a person's character and reliability? If yes, majime is your word. Am I describing the intensity of a moment? Use shinken. Am I describing the severity of a disaster? Use shinkoku.

While 真面目 (majime) is the go-to word, Japanese has a rich vocabulary for different types of 'seriousness' and 'diligence.' Choosing the right one shows a high level of fluency.

誠実 (Seijitsu) - Sincere / Honest
While majime focuses on being hardworking and rule-following, seijitsu focuses on the heart. A seijitsu person is someone who is honest and won't betray you. It's more about moral integrity than work ethic.
熱心 (Nesshin) - Enthusiastic / Eager
If someone is serious because they love what they are doing, use nesshin. A majime student studies because it's their duty; a nesshin student studies because they are fascinated by the subject.
几帳面 (Kichōmen) - Methodical / Precise
This describes someone who is serious about details. If your desk is perfectly organized and your notes are color-coded, you are kichōmen. It’s a specific type of majime related to neatness and order.

彼女は几帳面な性格で、家計簿を毎日つけている。
(She has a methodical personality and keeps a household account book every day.)

勤勉 (Kinben) - Diligent / Hardworking
This is a more formal, academic word for being hardworking. You’ll see it in history books describing the Japanese workforce or in formal speeches. It’s less about personality and more about the act of laboring hard.

彼は勤勉な努力家だ。
(He is a diligent, hard worker.)

In a casual setting, you might use しっかりしている (shikkari shite iru), which means someone is 'solid' or 'has their act together.' It's a very common way to praise a young person who is acting mature and majime.

By mastering these synonyms, you can describe people with much more precision and avoid overusing 'majime' in every situation.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the past, 'majime' was also used to describe a sober face after drinking. It evolved from 'not being drunk' to 'being earnest' in general.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mɑːdʒiːmeɪ/
US /mɑdʒimeɪ/
Flat pitch accent (Heiban), meaning the pitch starts low and rises, then stays flat.
Rhymes With
Hajime (beginning) Kajime (a type of seaweed) Nijime (bleeding of ink) Tojime (closing) Kazime Ajime Majime Sajime
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'me' as 'mee' (it should be 'meh').
  • Over-stressing the first syllable.
  • Confusing the 'ji' with 'zhi' sound.
  • Making the 'a' sound too long like 'maa'.
  • Dropping the final 'e' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji is common but the reading 'majime' is an ateji (irregular).

Writing 3/5

Writing 'men' (面) can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 1/5

Very easy to pronounce and use in daily life.

Listening 1/5

Distinct sound that is easy to recognize.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

人 (hito) 仕事 (shigoto) 勉強 (benkyou) 学生 (gakusei) いい (ii)

Learn Next

誠実 (seijitsu) 几帳面 (kichoumen) 性格 (seikaku) 信頼 (shinrai) 努力 (doryoku)

Advanced

勤勉 (kinben) 実直 (jitchoku) 克己 (kokki) 真摯 (shinshi) 真面目腐る (majime-kusaru)

Grammar to Know

Na-Adjective Modification

真面目な人 (Majime na hito)

Adverbial Form (-ni)

真面目に働く (Majime ni hataraku)

State of Being (desu/da)

彼は真面目だ (Kare wa majime da)

Excessive Degree (-sugiru)

真面目すぎる (Majime sugiru)

Noun-forming Suffix (-sa)

真面目さが大事だ (Majime-sa ga daiji da)

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Examples by Level

1

田中さんは真面目です。

Tanaka-san is serious/diligent.

Simple [Noun] wa [Adjective] desu structure.

2

彼は真面目な学生です。

He is a serious student.

Using 'na' to connect the adjective to a noun.

3

真面目に勉強します。

I will study seriously.

Using 'ni' to turn the adjective into an adverb.

4

あの人はあまり真面目じゃありません。

That person is not very serious.

Negative form of a na-adjective: 'ja arimasen'.

5

真面目な人が好きです。

I like serious/reliable people.

Adjective + Noun + ga suki desu.

6

お父さんは仕事に真面目です。

My father is serious about his work.

Target of seriousness is marked by 'ni'.

7

もっと真面目になってください。

Please become more serious.

Using 'ni naru' (to become).

8

彼はとても真面目ですね。

He is very serious, isn't he?

Sentence ending particle 'ne' for agreement.

1

真面目に話を聞いてください。

Please listen to me seriously.

Adverbial use 'majime ni' + verb 'kiku'.

2

彼女は真面目な性格をしています。

She has a serious personality.

Using '...na seikaku o shite iru' to describe character.

3

真面目にやれば、成功しますよ。

If you do it seriously, you will succeed.

Conditional 'ba' form with adverb 'majime ni'.

4

彼は不真面目なところがあります。

He has some unserious/lazy parts to him.

The prefix 'fu-' (un-) makes the word negative.

5

真面目すぎるのも困りますね。

Being too serious is also a problem, isn't it?

Using 'sugiru' (too much) with na-adjectives.

6

彼は真面目だけが取り柄です。

His only merit is his seriousness.

Particle 'dake' (only) and 'torie' (merit/redeeming feature).

7

真面目な顔をして、どうしたの？

Why are you making such a serious face?

Using 'na kao o shite' to describe facial expression.

8

日本人は真面目だと言われています。

It is said that Japanese people are serious.

Passive form 'iwarete iru' (is said).

1

真面目に付き合っている彼女がいます。

I have a girlfriend I am dating seriously.

Using 'majime ni' to describe the nature of a relationship.

2

冗談を言ったのに、彼は真面目に受け取った。

I told a joke, but he took it seriously.

Contrast 'noni' (despite) with 'majime ni'.

3

将来のことを真面目に考えなければならない。

I must think seriously about my future.

Must form 'nakereba naranai'.

4

彼は真面目そうに見えて、実は遊び人だ。

He looks serious, but actually, he's a playboy.

Using 'sou ni mieru' (looks like).

5

真面目な話し合いが必要だ。

A serious discussion is necessary.

Compound noun 'hanashiai' (discussion).

6

そんなに真面目に考え込まないで。

Don't brood/overthink so seriously.

Compound verb 'kangaekomu' (to brood/think deeply).

7

彼は真面目一筋で生きてきた。

He has lived his life with nothing but earnestness.

The suffix 'hitosuji' (solely/devoted to).

8

この本は真面目な内容なので、少し難しい。

This book has serious content, so it's a bit difficult.

Using 'node' (because) for cause and effect.

1

彼は真面目腐った態度で現れた。

He showed up with a disgustingly serious attitude.

The suffix '-kusaru' adds a negative/mocking tone.

2

真面目さが彼の最大の武器だ。

Seriousness is his greatest weapon.

Suffix '-sa' turns the adjective into a noun (seriousness).

3

彼は真面目な顔をして嘘をつく。

He tells lies with a straight face.

Describing a deceptive serious face.

4

何事も真面目に取り組む姿勢が大切だ。

An attitude of tackling everything seriously is important.

Using 'nanigoto mo' (everything/anything).

5

彼は根が真面目だから、羽目を外せない。

He is serious at heart, so he can't let loose.

Phrase 'ne ga majime' (serious by nature).

6

真面目な学生ほど、プレッシャーを感じやすい。

The more serious a student is, the easier they feel pressure.

Structure '... hodo ...' (the more... the more...).

7

彼は真面目にコツコツと信頼を築いてきた。

He has seriously and steadily built up trust.

Onomatopoeia 'kotsukotsu' (steadily/bit by bit).

8

真面目な話、今の給料では生活が苦しい。

Seriously speaking, it's hard to live on my current salary.

Using 'majime na hanashi' as an introductory phrase.

1

真面目さは、時に融通の利かなさと表裏一体である。

Seriousness is sometimes two sides of the same coin with inflexibility.

Idiom 'hyouri-ittai' (two sides of the same coin).

2

彼は真面目一方で、面白みに欠ける。

He is nothing but serious and lacks a sense of fun.

Grammar 'ippou de' (on the other hand / solely).

3

真面目な議論を尽くした結果、この結論に至った。

After exhaustive serious debate, we reached this conclusion.

Using 'zukusu' (to exhaust/do to the full).

4

彼の真面目な人柄が、周囲の人々を惹きつける。

His earnest personality attracts the people around him.

Noun 'hitogara' (personality/character).

5

真面目一辺倒な教育方針には、疑問を感じる。

I have doubts about an educational policy that is completely one-sidedly focused on seriousness.

Suffix 'ippentou' (completely devoted to one side).

6

真面目な勤労意欲が、戦後の復興を支えた。

A serious will to work supported the post-war reconstruction.

Compound 'kinrou iyoku' (will to work).

7

彼女は真面目な顔で冗談を言うのが得意だ。

She is good at telling jokes with a straight face (deadpan).

Using 'tokui da' (to be good at).

8

真面目という言葉の裏には、日本的な美徳が隠されている。

Behind the word 'majime,' Japanese virtues are hidden.

Using '... to iu kotoba no ura ni'.

1

真面目なるがゆえの悲劇が、そこにはあった。

There was a tragedy there precisely because of their earnestness.

Literary '... naru ga yue no' (because of...).

2

現代社会において、真面目であることの定義が揺らいでいる。

In modern society, the definition of being 'majime' is wavering.

Using 'yuraide iru' (wavering/unstable).

3

真面目という仮面を被り、彼は本心を隠し続けた。

Wearing the mask of 'seriousness,' he continued to hide his true feelings.

Metaphorical use of 'kamen' (mask).

4

真面目さを美徳とする文化が、個人の創造性を阻害することもある。

A culture that treats seriousness as a virtue can sometimes hinder individual creativity.

Using 'sogai suru' (to hinder/inhibit).

5

彼の真面目さは、もはや一種の狂気に近い。

His seriousness is now close to a kind of madness.

Using 'kyouki' (madness).

6

真面目一筋に生きてきた男が、晩年に見せた意外な一面。

An unexpected side shown in his later years by a man who lived solely with earnestness.

Structure '... ga ... miseta ...'.

7

真面目な対話を通じてのみ、真の理解は得られる。

Only through serious dialogue can true understanding be obtained.

Structure '... tsuujite nomi' (only through...).

8

真面目という言葉に込められた期待と重圧を考察する。

Consider the expectations and pressure embedded in the word 'majime.'

Using 'kousatsu suru' (to consider/analyze).

Common Collocations

真面目な学生
真面目に働く
真面目な話
真面目な顔
真面目な性格
真面目に取り組む
真面目に答える
根が真面目
真面目すぎる
真面目一方

Common Phrases

真面目か！

— A casual retort to someone being overly serious. Like 'Are you for real?'

こんな時に真面目か！

真面目が服を着て歩いている

— Used to describe someone who is the personification of seriousness.

彼は真面目が服を着て歩いているような男だ。

真面目に生きる

— To live a straight, honest, and hardworking life.

これからは真面目に生きると決めた。

真面目な付き合い

— A serious relationship with the intent of commitment.

真面目な付き合いを前提にしています。

真面目腐る

— To act overly stiff or formal in a way that feels pretentious or annoying.

真面目腐った顔をするな。

真面目一筋

— Devoting oneself entirely to being serious and hardworking.

真面目一筋に三十年働いた。

真面目な表情

— A serious or solemn facial expression.

彼は真面目な表情で頷いた。

真面目に出会う

— To seek a sincere romantic encounter.

真面目な出会いを探しています。

真面目に考える

— To think deeply and sincerely about something.

自分の将来を真面目に考える。

真面目にやって！

— A command to stop playing around and do something properly.

掃除を真面目にやって！

Often Confused With

真面目 vs 真剣 (shinken)

Shinken is for intensity in a moment; Majime is for long-term character.

真面目 vs 深刻 (shinkoku)

Shinkoku is for serious problems or disasters; Majime is for people.

真面目 vs 重大 (jūdai)

Jūdai is for important/grave consequences; Majime is for attitude.

Idioms & Expressions

"真面目腐る"

— To be annoyingly or pretentiously serious.

彼はいつも真面目腐っている。

Informal
"真面目一辺倒"

— Being completely and solely focused on seriousness, lacking flexibility.

真面目一辺倒では疲れてしまう。

Neutral/Formal
"根が真面目"

— Being serious at the very core of one's personality.

彼は根が真面目だから大丈夫だ。

Neutral
"真面目な顔をして嘘をつく"

— To lie with a straight face; to be very convincing while lying.

あいつは真面目な顔をして嘘をつくから気をつけろ。

Neutral
"真面目が服を着て歩く"

— To be extremely serious (personification).

彼はまさに真面目が服を着て歩いているようだ。

Colloquial
"真面目に不真面目"

— To be seriously dedicated to doing something silly or unconventional (often associated with the Zorori series).

真面目に不真面目なことをやる。

Creative/Informal
"真面目だけが取り柄"

— Having no other good qualities besides being hardworking.

彼は真面目だけが取り柄だ。

Slightly derogatory
"真面目な話"

— Used to transition to a serious topic. 'All jokes aside...'

真面目な話、予算が足りない。

Neutral
"四角四面"

— Very serious, formal, and inflexible (like a square with four sides).

四角四面な考え方はやめよう。

Formal/Idiomatic
"実直"

— Honest and serious to a fault.

彼は実直な性格だ。

Formal

Easily Confused

真面目 vs 本気 (honki)

Both can mean 'serious.'

Honki means you are doing something for real/with full effort. Majime means you are a hardworking person by nature.

本気で走る (Run with full effort) vs 真面目に走る (Run diligently as instructed).

真面目 vs 几帳面 (kichōmen)

Both relate to being good at tasks.

Kichōmen is specifically about being neat and detailed. Majime is broader character reliability.

几帳面なノート (Neat notes) vs 真面目な学生 (A student who never skips class).

真面目 vs 誠実 (seijitsu)

Both are compliments for character.

Seijitsu is about honesty and not betraying others. Majime is about working hard and following rules.

誠実な謝罪 (A sincere apology) vs 真面目な勤務 (Diligent attendance).

真面目 vs 勤勉 (kinben)

Both mean hardworking.

Kinben is a formal word often used for groups or national traits. Majime is used for individuals in daily life.

勤勉な労働者 (Diligent workers) vs 真面目な彼 (Serious him).

真面目 vs 硬い (katai)

Both can describe a stiff person.

Katai literally means 'hard' and can metaphorically mean 'stiff/formal.' Majime is about the underlying attitude.

文章が硬い (The writing is stiff) vs 彼が真面目だ (He is serious).

Sentence Patterns

A1

[Person] は 真面目 です。

田中さんは真面目です。

A2

真面目 に [Verb]。

真面目に勉強します。

B1

真面目 な [Noun]。

真面目な学生が好きです。

B1

真面目 すぎる。

彼は真面目すぎる。

B2

根 が 真面目 だ。

あの子は根が真面目だ。

B2

真面目 な 話、...。

真面目な話、お金がありません。

C1

真面目 さ が [Noun] だ。

真面目さが彼の武器だ。

C2

真面目 一筋 に ...。

真面目一筋に生きてきた。

Word Family

Nouns

真面目さ (majime-sa - seriousness)
不真面目 (fumajime - unseriousness)

Verbs

真面目腐る (majime-kusaru - to act overly serious)

Adjectives

真面目な (majime-na - serious)
不真面目な (fumajime-na - lazy/insincere)

Related

誠実 (seijitsu)
勤勉 (kinben)
几帳面 (kichoumen)
本気 (honki)
真剣 (shinken)
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How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and business.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'majime' for 'serious illness'. → 重い病気 (omoi byouki)

    Majime only describes human personality/intent, not the severity of physical conditions.

  • Saying 'majime hito'. → 真面目な人 (majime na hito)

    Majime is a na-adjective and requires 'na' to modify a noun.

  • Using 'majime' for a 'serious accident'. → 重大な事故 (juudai na jiko)

    Situations and events use 'shinkoku' or 'juudai,' not 'majime.'

  • Confusing 'majime' and 'maji' in business. → 真面目 (majime)

    'Maji' is very casual slang and should never be used in a professional setting.

  • Using 'majime' when you mean 'intense focus'. → 真剣 (shinken)

    'Shinken' describes the intensity of a specific action, while 'majime' is a general character trait.

Tips

The Ideal Character

Being called 'majime' is one of the most common ways to be praised in Japan. It shows you are respected as a member of the group.

Don't forget 'Na'

Always remember that 'majime' needs 'na' to describe a person. 'Majime hito' is incorrect; it must be 'majime na hito'.

Dating Context

If you see 'majime na kousai' on a dating app, it means the person is looking for a long-term, serious relationship, not something casual.

Majime vs. Shinken

Use 'majime' for a person's general nature and 'shinken' for their intensity in a specific moment, like a sports match.

Avoid for Situations

Never use 'majime' to describe a 'serious problem' or 'serious accident.' Use 'shinkoku' or 'juudai' instead.

The 'Fu-' Prefix

Adding 'fu-' (不) to 'majime' easily creates its opposite: 'fumajime' (insincere/lazy). It's a very useful prefix.

Straight Face

The phrase 'majime na kao' is very common. Use it when someone looks unusually solemn or is trying not to laugh.

Kanji Meaning

Remember the kanji meaning 'True Face Eye' to help you remember that it's about a person's real, earnest character.

Slang Alert

If you hear 'Maji de?', it's just a slangy way of saying 'Seriously?'. It comes from 'majime' but is much more casual.

Majime-sa

To talk about the 'quality of being serious' as an abstract concept, add '-sa' to the end: 'majime-sa'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'MA' (Mama) + 'JI' (G-man) + 'ME' (Eye). A 'Mama G-man Eye' is always watching to make sure you are being serious and following the rules!

Visual Association

Imagine a student with glasses (me) looking intently at a book, with a 'True' (Ma) 'Face' (Ji) of concentration.

Word Web

Sincere Diligent Honest Reliable Hardworking Rule-following Earnest Serious

Challenge

Try to spend one whole hour being 'majime'—no phone, no jokes, just pure focus on your Japanese studies. Then describe how you felt using the word.

Word Origin

The word consists of '真' (ma - true/real), '面' (ji/men - face/surface), and '目' (me - eye). It originally appeared in the Edo period.

Original meaning: It originally referred to a 'true face'—a person's natural, honest expression without any makeup or masks.

Sino-Japanese (Kango roots but used as a native Japanese concept).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use 'majime' as a backhanded compliment to someone who is trying to be creative or spontaneous.

In English, 'serious' can be negative (boring). In Japanese, 'majime' is much more likely to be a high compliment.

Kaiketsu Zorori (motto: Majime ni Fumajime) Majime na Otoko (The Serious Man trope in literature) Japanese work ethic documentaries

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

School

  • 真面目な学生
  • 真面目に授業を受ける
  • 真面目に宿題をやる
  • 真面目な態度

Work

  • 真面目な社員
  • 真面目に働く
  • 真面目な仕事ぶり
  • 真面目に取り組む

Romance

  • 真面目な付き合い
  • 真面目な人
  • 真面目な出会い
  • 将来を真面目に考える

Daily Life

  • 真面目な話
  • 真面目な顔
  • 真面目になる
  • 真面目か！

Self-Introduction

  • 私の長所は真面目なところです
  • 真面目だと言われます
  • 何事にも真面目です
  • 真面目がモットーです

Conversation Starters

"あなたは自分で真面目な方だと思いますか？ (Do you think you are a serious person?)"

"最近、何か真面目に取り組んでいることはありますか？ (Is there anything you are working on seriously lately?)"

"真面目すぎる人は好きですか、それとも苦手ですか？ (Do you like people who are too serious, or do you find them difficult?)"

"日本の学生は真面目だと思いますか？ (Do you think Japanese students are serious?)"

"「真面目な話」をしてもいいですか？ (Can I have a 'serious talk' with you?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、自分が真面目にやったことを一つ書いてください。 (Write one thing you did seriously today.)

真面目であることのメリットとデメリットについて考えてください。 (Think about the merits and demerits of being serious.)

あなたが知っている一番真面目な人は誰ですか？なぜそう思いますか？ (Who is the most serious person you know? Why?)

将来のために、今真面目にすべきことは何ですか？ (What should you be doing seriously now for your future?)

「真面目」という言葉のイメージを自由に書いてください。 (Write freely about your image of the word 'majime'.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually, yes. It implies reliability and effort. However, if you say 'majime-sugiru' (too serious), it can mean the person is boring, lacks flexibility, or can't take a joke. Context and tone of voice are key.

'Maji' is a slangy abbreviation of 'majime.' While 'majime' describes a person's character, 'maji' is mostly used as an adverb meaning 'really' (maji de) or an exclamation (maji?!). 'Maji' is very informal.

No. For a serious illness, you should use 'omoi' (heavy) or 'shinkoku' (severe). 'Majime' is only for human character or intent. Saying 'majime na byouki' would sound like the illness itself is a hard worker!

You can say 'Majime na hanashi desu ga...' (This is a serious talk...) or 'Honki desu' (I'm for real). 'Majime ni itte imasu' also works to show you aren't joking.

It is both. As a na-adjective, you say 'majime na hito.' As a noun, you can say 'majime ga torie da' (seriousness is his merit). In most cases, it functions like a na-adjective.

The direct opposite is 'fu-majime' (unserious/lazy). Other opposites include 'ii-kagen' (irresponsible) and 'darashinai' (slovenly). 'Asobinin' (playboy/gadabout) is a noun opposite.

Yes, if the content is serious and academic rather than lighthearted. 'Majime na hon' is acceptable, though 'katai hon' (a stiff/difficult book) is also common.

The suffix '-kusaru' adds a sense of 'rotten' or 'disgusting.' 'Majime-kusaru' means to act overly serious in a way that is annoying or feels fake to others. It's a derogatory term.

It is an ateji, meaning the kanji were chosen for their meaning (True-Face-Eye) and assigned the spoken word 'majime,' which already existed. The individual readings don't usually combine to 'majime' in other words.

Yes, it is one of the most valued traits in Japanese society. It is linked to the concept of 'trust' (shinrai). Being seen as 'majime' can open many doors in education and employment.

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Test Yourself 44 questions

writing

Translate to Japanese: 'He is a serious student.'

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writing

Translate to Japanese: 'Please work seriously.'

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speaking

Describe your own personality using 'majime'.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen to the audio (simulated): 'Motto majime ni yatte kudasai!' What is the speaker asking for?

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