1.
serious; earnest; diligent; sincere
Describes a person who is honest, hardworking, and takes things seriously. A highly valued trait in Japanese society, suggesting reliability and conscientiousness.
彼は真面目な人だ。
He is a serious person.
真面目に働く姿が評価された。
Her diligent work attitude was appreciated.
彼女は真面目な性格で、約束は必ず守る。
She has an earnest personality and always keeps her promises.
2.
serious; not joking; genuine
Describes a tone, expression, or manner that is sincere and not playful or humorous.
真面目な顔をする。
To put on a serious face.
真面目な話がある。
I have something serious to talk about.
「冗談でしょう？」「いや、真面目に言っているんだ。」
"You're joking, right?" "No, I'm being serious."
One of the most commonly used personality descriptors in Japanese. Being 真面目 is generally seen as a positive trait, suggesting someone you can rely on. However, it can sometimes carry a slightly negative nuance of being too rigid, boring, or unable to relax.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 真面目な人: a serious/earnest person
- 真面目な性格: a serious personality
- 真面目に働く: to work diligently
- 真面目な話: a serious talk
- 真面目な顔: a serious expression
- 真面目に取り組む: to tackle something seriously
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 誠実な: sincere / faithful — more formal, emphasizes moral integrity
- 勤勉な: diligent / industrious — specifically about hard work and study
- 几帳面な: meticulous / precise — emphasizes attention to detail and orderliness
- 堅い: stiff / rigid — can overlap with the "too serious" nuance of 真面目
WRITING NOTE:
Also commonly written in hiragana as まじめ. The kanji 真面目 is an example of ateji (kanji chosen for sound rather than meaning).