Meaning and Usage
"真面目" (まじめ) is an adjective used to describe someone who is serious, diligent, or earnest. It often refers to a person's attitude toward work, study, or behavior.
Common Contexts
It is frequently used to praise someone's responsible or hardworking nature, especially in school or work settings. It can also imply a lack of frivolity or joking, sometimes suggesting a person is overly serious.
Collocations and Patterns
- 真面目な学生 (serious student): describes a student who studies hard and behaves responsibly.
- 真面目に働く (work seriously): emphasizes diligent and earnest work.
- 真面目すぎる (too serious): used when someone is excessively serious, possibly missing humor.
Register and Nuance
The word is neutral and polite, suitable for formal and informal situations. However, when used to say someone is "too serious," it can carry a slightly critical or teasing tone.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "真面目" with words meaning "honest" or "correct." While it implies seriousness and diligence, it does not directly mean honesty. Also, avoid using it to describe objects; it is mainly for people or their behavior.