A diligent person who takes responsibilities seriously and acts with integrity.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes someone who is diligent and responsible.
- Used to characterize a serious or sincere attitude.
- Commonly used as a positive trait in Japanese culture.
概要
「真面目な」は、日本社会で非常にポジティブな評価として使われる形容詞です。責任感が強く、ルールを守り、やるべきことを着実にこなす人を指します。2) 使用パターン: 名詞を修飾する際は「真面目な人」「真面目な性格」のように使い、述語としては「彼はとても真面目だ」のように使います。副詞的に「真面目に働く」という形でも頻出します。3) 一般的な文脈: ビジネスシーンでは「信頼できる人」というニュアンスで使われ、学校教育の場では「授業に熱心な生徒」という褒め言葉として定着しています。恋愛においては「誠実で浮気をしない人」という意味で使われることもあります。4) 類語との比較: 「誠実な」は人柄の正直さに焦点が当たりますが、「真面目な」は行動や態度の一貫性に焦点が当たります。「堅い（かたい）」は、真面目すぎて融通が利かないという少しネガティブなニュアンスを含む場合があります。
Examples
彼はとても真面目な学生です。
everydayHe is a very diligent student.
真面目に取り組むことが大切です。
formalIt is important to work on it seriously.
冗談だと言ったのに、真面目に受け取られた。
informalI said it as a joke, but he took it seriously.
真面目な議論が必要です。
academicA serious discussion is required.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
真面目な話
Serious talk
不真面目
Not serious / Slacking off
真面目に生きる
Live an honest life
Often Confused With
Refers more to honesty and sincerity in heart. While '真面目' focuses on the effort, '誠実' focuses on the moral character.
Implies being stiff or inflexible. It can mean 'serious' but often carries a nuance of being too rigid.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '真面目な' as a positive attribute for someone's work habits or personality. It is a neutral-to-formal register that fits almost any professional setting. Avoid using it in casual slang contexts unless specifically describing someone's character.
Common Mistakes
Do not confuse it with '面白い' (funny). Beginners sometimes mistake 'serious' for 'uninteresting'. Remember that '真面目' is a highly valued trait in Japanese society.
Tips
Use it to describe reliable people
When you want to compliment someone's work ethic, use '真面目な人'. It is one of the most common ways to express trust in Japanese.
Avoid using it for jokes
If someone is joking, do not call them '真面目'. It might imply they are being boring or failing to understand the humor.
The value of diligence in Japan
Japanese culture highly values '真面目'. It is often considered a prerequisite for success in professional and academic environments.
Word Origin
Derived from the kanji '真' (truth/reality) and '面目' (face/honor). It literally means 'true face' or 'keeping one's honor/integrity'.
Cultural Context
In Japan, being '真面目' is often the most desired trait for employees. It represents reliability and a lack of desire to cut corners.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Ma-ji-me' (Magic-Me) person who is always working hard. They are 'Serious' and 'Diligent' every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「一生懸命」は努力の度合いや熱意に焦点がありますが、「真面目」は性格や普段の姿勢を指します。真面目な人は、一生懸命に取り組む傾向があります。
はい、基本的には最高の褒め言葉です。特にビジネスや学校では、信頼できる人物であるという証明になります。
文脈によりますが、冗談が通じない、融通が利かないという意味で使われる場合は少しネガティブなニュアンスになります。
はい、「彼は真面目だ」のように形容動詞として使うのが一般的ですが、「真面目な性格」のように名詞を修飾することも可能です。
Test Yourself
彼は毎日遅くまで仕事をする___人です。
遅くまで働くという行為は、責任感が強く真面目な姿勢を表しているからです。
Score: /1
Summary
A diligent person who takes responsibilities seriously and acts with integrity.
- Describes someone who is diligent and responsible.
- Used to characterize a serious or sincere attitude.
- Commonly used as a positive trait in Japanese culture.
Use it to describe reliable people
When you want to compliment someone's work ethic, use '真面目な人'. It is one of the most common ways to express trust in Japanese.
Avoid using it for jokes
If someone is joking, do not call them '真面目'. It might imply they are being boring or failing to understand the humor.
The value of diligence in Japan
Japanese culture highly values '真面目'. It is often considered a prerequisite for success in professional and academic environments.
Examples
4 of 4彼はとても真面目な学生です。
He is a very diligent student.
真面目に取り組むことが大切です。
It is important to work on it seriously.
冗談だと言ったのに、真面目に受け取られた。
I said it as a joke, but he took it seriously.
真面目な議論が必要です。
A serious discussion is required.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More general words
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
