真面目 (まじめ, majime) Japanese meaning: serious | Kotomora彼は真面目な顔で話し始めた。
He began to speak with a serious expression.
Usage patterns
真面目に〈動詞〉to do (a verb) seriously/earnestly
He always studies seriously.
真面目な〈人〉a serious/earnest person
She's the most serious student in the class.
真面目に考えるto think about something seriously
You should think seriously about your future.
真面目に取り組むto tackle/approach something earnestly
He approaches his work earnestly.
真面目 describes a serious, earnest attitude toward things in general, while 勤勉 specifically highlights steady hard work and industriousness.
真面目 describes a person's earnest, diligent character, whereas 地道 describes the steady, unflashy nature of an effort or method itself.
真面目 describes general earnestness and seriousness, whereas 几帳面 specifically highlights meticulous attention to order and detail.
真面目 is the everyday word for being serious or diligent, whereas 真摯 is more formal and stresses deep sincerity, often in official or written contexts.
真面目 is the standard, formal word for 'serious/diligent', while がち is slangy and emphasizes raw authenticity rather than diligence.
真面目 means serious, earnest, or diligent in a general sense, whereas 厳か implies a formal, awe-inspiring solemnity.
put on a serious face; act overly solemn; become dead serious
