Translation guide
The English word 'earnest' describes a sincere, serious, and determined attitude or effort. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adjectives, nouns, and adverbs that convey seriousness, sincerity, and wholeheartedness. The most common and versatile equivalent is 真面目 (まじめ), which covers both personality traits and attitudes. Other options like 真剣 (しんけん) emphasize intensity, while 本気 (ほんき) highlights genuineness. This guide helps learners choose the right expression based on context and nuance.
Describing a person who is earnest, sincere, and not frivolous; often used for personality or general demeanor.
The most common and versatile word for 'earnest' in the sense of being serious, sincere, and diligent. It can describe a person's character, attitude, or approach to something. Often used positively, but can sometimes imply being too serious or lacking humor.
彼は真面目な人です。
He is an earnest person.
真面目に勉強しなさい。
Study earnestly.
Emphasizes seriousness and intensity, often used when someone is deeply focused or earnest about a specific matter. It can imply a more intense, almost grave seriousness compared to 真面目.
Means 'serious' or 'earnest' in the sense of being genuine and not joking. Often used to ask if someone is serious about their intentions or feelings. Can also mean 'real' or 'genuine' effort.
Describing an action done with sincere and determined effort; often used in contexts like 'earnest attempt' or 'earnest effort'.
A common phrase meaning 'to tackle something earnestly' or 'to work on something seriously'. It combines 真面目 (earnest) with 取り組む (to tackle/engage in).
彼は問題に真面目に取り組んでいる。
He is making an earnest effort to solve the problem.
Means 'to make a serious/earnest effort'. 真剣 adds intensity, and 努力する means 'to endeavor'. Suitable for formal or determined contexts.
真剣に努力すれば、夢は叶う。
If you make an earnest effort, your dreams will come true.
A casual way to say 'do something earnestly' or 'do something for real'. 本気 implies genuine, not half-hearted effort.
今度は本気でやるよ。
This time I'll do it earnestly.
Expressing a sincere and heartfelt wish, request, or plea.
A formal and heartfelt expression meaning 'to earnestly hope/wish'. 切に (せつに) means 'earnestly' or 'keenly', and 願う means 'to wish'. Often used in written requests or formal speeches.
ご理解いただけますよう切に願います。
I earnestly request your understanding.
Means 'to wish from the heart' or 'to earnestly hope'. 心から (from the heart) conveys sincerity and depth of feeling.
平和を心から願っています。
I earnestly wish for peace.
Used when making a serious and earnest request. 真剣に adds weight to the request, implying it is not a light matter.
真剣にお願いします。
I earnestly request this of you.
Used to emphasize that something is done seriously, not as a joke or half-heartedly.
The most common adverbial form for 'in earnest' in casual and spoken Japanese. It directly contrasts with joking or playing around.
本気で言ってるの？
Are you in earnest?
彼は本気で怒っている。
He is earnestly angry. (He's seriously angry.)
Adverbial form of 真面目, meaning 'earnestly' or 'seriously'. It can be used in similar contexts but often implies diligence rather than just genuineness.
真面目に働きなさい。
Work earnestly.
Adverbial form of 真剣, used when the seriousness is intense or focused. Often used in contexts like 'think seriously' or 'discuss seriously'.
真剣に話し合おう。
Let's talk in earnest.
These three words all translate to 'earnest' or 'serious', but have different nuances. 真面目 (まじめ) describes a general character trait of being sincere, diligent, and well-behaved. It can be used for people, attitudes, or actions. 真剣 (しんけん) emphasizes intensity and focus, often in a specific situation or regarding a particular matter. It can imply a grave or solemn seriousness. 本気 (ほんき) means 'genuine' or 'not joking', and is often used to confirm sincerity or to describe wholehearted effort. It is common in casual speech.
彼は真面目な学生だ。
He is an earnest student. (diligent, well-behaved)
真剣な顔で相談された。
I was consulted with an earnest expression. (intense, grave)
本気で留学したい。
I earnestly want to study abroad. (genuinely, not just a whim)
English 'earnest' is often used as an adjective before nouns like 'earnest desire' or 'earnest attempt'. In Japanese, it is more natural to use adverbial phrases or compound expressions rather than a single adjective. For example, 'earnest attempt' is better expressed as 真剣な試み (しんけんなこころみ) or 本気の試み (ほんきのこころみ), but often rephrased as a verb phrase like 真剣に取り組む.
真剣な表情で話していた。
He was speaking with an earnest expression.
真剣に考えてください。
Please think about it earnestly.
Are you in earnest? / Are you serious?
彼は本気で歌手になりたいと思っている。
He earnestly wants to become a singer.