Meaning

Primary

Serious

Alternative

Earnest

Word Type

な adjective, noun

Explanation

When you see reality in someone's face and eyes, you know they're a serious person. No jokes or silly fantasies here.

真面目 describes someone who takes things seriously and does what's expected of them. It's often used for people who are responsible, hardworking, and sincere, like 真面目な学生 (a serious student).

Reading

まじめ
  • Miyuki
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This word has a slightly unconventional reading. 目 uses its usual め reading, but the readings for 真 and 面 aren't the ones you learned with the kanji. Here's a mnemonic to help you remember them:

You have to be serious if you want to learn magic (まじ). It's not like the movies where you can cast magic spells just because you're the "chosen one" or something. You've gotta earnestly study your spellbooks and memorize all those enchantments and hexes one by one.

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • 真面目に考える

    to think seriously

    真面目に取り組む

    to work on something earnestly

    真面目に働く

    to work diligently

    真面目に勉強する

    to study diligently

    真面目に生きる

    to live earnestly

    真面目に答える

    to answer seriously

Context Sentences

いや、真面目な話、それはムリでしょ。

No, but on a serious note, that's impossible.

真面目に働いているのがバカらしくなってきたよ。

I'm starting to feel like an idiot for actually trying to do my job well.

彼はとても真面目な人だが、ちょっと真面目すぎるときもある。

He is a very serious person, but sometimes he's a bit too serious.

真面目にコツコツ毎日ワニカニをがんばれば、色んな本が読めるようになりますよ。

If you diligently study with WaniKani a little bit every day, you'll be able to read all kinds of books.

Kanji Composition