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真剣
shinken
What does "真剣" mean in English?
serious彼は真剣に勉強している。
He is studying seriously.
How to use "真剣" correctly: definitions and examples in English?
formal
serious and sincere in attitude or action
真剣な表情で話す。
Speak with a serious expression.
真剣に取り組む。
Work on something earnestly.
Often used to describe someone's intense focus or genuine intent.
technical
a real sword (as opposed to a wooden practice sword)
真剣を使った演舞。
A performance using a real sword.
Used in contexts like kendo or martial arts demonstrations.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing
While 真剣 is versatile, it's often replaced by 真面目 (serious) or 本気 (earnest) in casual conversations. Use it when emphasizing intensity or focus.
Gold Rule
Context matters
The meaning shifts between 'serious' (attitude) and 'real sword' (object). Pay attention to context clues like verbs or surrounding words.
Word Origin
From 真 (true, real) + 剣 (sword). Originally referred to a real sword as opposed to a wooden one (木剣). The figurative meaning of 'serious' emerged from the idea of being 'as sharp and focused as a real sword.'
Usage Notes
Used in both formal and informal contexts. In casual speech, it can imply intensity or sincerity. Avoid using it to describe trivial matters.
Word Breakdown
真
true, real, genuine
root剣
sword
root和英辞典