真剣(しんけん)な

しんけんな
adjective
serious; earnest; in earnest
1. serious; earnest; in earnest; genuine
Describes a sincere, focused attitude toward something, with full commitment and no joking around. Used for both people's demeanor and the nature of situations.
真剣(しんけん)な顔(かお)で話(はな)す。
To speak with a serious expression.
もっと真剣(しんけん)に考(かんが)えたほうがいい。
You should think about it more seriously.
彼(かれ)は将来(しょうらい)のことを真剣(しんけん)に悩(なや)んでいるようだった。
He seemed to be seriously troubled about his future.

Originally refers to a real sword (真剣(しんけん) = real blade, as opposed to a practice sword). By extension, it means doing something with full seriousness, as if handling a real sword. Very commonly used in everyday Japanese.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 真剣(しんけん)な表情(ひょうじょう): a serious expression
  • 真剣(しんけん)に取(と)り組(く)む: to tackle seriously
  • 真剣(しんけん)に考(かんが)える: to think seriously
  • 真剣(しんけん)勝負(しょうぶ): a serious contest; a real fight
  • 真剣(しんけん)交際(こうさい): a serious (romantic) relationship

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 本気(ほんき)の: serious / for real — more casual; emphasizes genuine intent rather than outward demeanor
  • 真面目(まじめ)な: serious / diligent — describes a personality trait of being earnest and hardworking
  • 深刻(しんこく)な: serious / grave — describes a serious situation or problem, not a person's attitude

ETYMOLOGY:
Literally "real sword" (真(しん) = true + 剣(けん) = sword). The metaphor comes from martial arts: using a real sword demands total concentration, unlike practice with wooden swords.

general
Added 2026.4.6 19:41
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