Meaning and Nuance
"生真面目" (きまじめ) describes a person who is very serious, sincere, and earnest, often to the point of being strict or inflexible. It conveys a strong sense of responsibility and dedication.
Usage Context
This word is typically used to describe someone's personality or attitude, especially in work or study contexts. It often implies a positive trait of reliability but can also suggest a lack of flexibility or humor.
Common Collocations
- 生真面目な性格: a serious and earnest personality
- 生真面目に働く: to work diligently and seriously
- 生真面目すぎる: being too serious, sometimes negatively
Register and Politeness
"生真面目" is neutral in formality and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. However, it is more common in written or formal spoken Japanese.
Learner Tips
Be careful not to confuse "生真面目" with just "真面目". While both mean serious or earnest, "生真面目" emphasizes an even stronger, sometimes overly strict seriousness. Use it when you want to highlight that intensity.