Describes a person, attitude, effort, or discussion that is genuinely committed and not light-hearted. Common in phrases like 真剣に考える (think seriously) and 真剣勝負 (serious contest).
He is thinking seriously about his future.
真剣な表情で話を聞いていた。
She was listening to the story with a serious expression.
real sword; actual blade
Refers to a genuine steel sword, as opposed to a wooden or bamboo practice weapon (木刀, 竹刀). Often used in martial arts or historical contexts.
稽古では木刀を使うが、真剣は重くて扱いが難しい。
In practice we use a wooden sword, but a real sword is heavy and difficult to handle.
He is seriously thinking about his future.
The samurai cut his opponent with a real sword.
She is tackling her work with genuine seriousness.
The teacher began explaining with a serious expression.
I made time to talk seriously with my parents.
真剣 emphasizes serious, focused attitude toward a task, whereas 懸命 emphasizes putting in maximum physical or mental effort.
真剣 highlights intense focus and seriousness of effort, while 真摯 highlights sincerity and earnestness of attitude, especially toward others.
真剣 describes doing something seriously and earnestly, the opposite of 適当's careless, halfhearted attitude.