How do you say "I want to be serious with you." in Japanese?

"I want to be serious with you." in Japanese is "真剣に付き合いたい。". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

What does "真剣に付き合いたい。" mean in English?

"真剣に付き合いたい。" means "I want to be serious with you." in English. Usage tip: [真剣に] + [付き合いたい] = clear intention: “I want a committed relationship.” You can soften with [もしよかったら].

🙋🎯💑➡️

How to Say ‘I want to be serious with you.’ in Japanese

真剣に付き合いたい。

shinken ni tsukiai tai

[sheen-ken nee tsoo-kee-ah-ee tie]

💬 Usage Tip: [真剣に] + [付き合いたい] = clear intention: “I want a committed relationship.” You can soften with [もしよかったら].

🇯🇵 In Japan: This is quite direct for early dating; many people say it after a few dates or when confirming exclusivity post-app.

Phrase Breakdown

真剣

shinken

[sheen-ken]

serious; earnest

Shows commitment. Often used to clarify intentions on dating apps.

Example

私は真剣に付き合いたい。

I want to date seriously.

に

[nee]

in; with; as (particle)

Here it turns 真剣 into an adverb: 真剣に = “seriously.” Used to describe how you date/talk/think.

Example

真剣に話したい。

I want to talk seriously.

付き合いたい

tsukiai tai

want to date (you); want to be in a relationship

From 付き合う (tsukiau). In romance, it means “to go out with/date (be a couple).” 〜たい expresses desire.

Example

あなたと付き合いたい。

I want to go out with you.

Words in this phrase

付き合い

tsukiai

[tsoo-kee-ah-ee]

to date; to go out with (stem)

Stem of 付き合う. In this phrase it’s the action you want: “to be in a relationship.”

Example

真剣に付き合いたい。

I want to date seriously.

たい

tai

[tie]

want to (do)

Expresses the speaker’s desire. Can sound strong/clear, good for honest relationship talk.

Example

あなたとこれからも一緒にいたいし、真剣に付き合いたい。

I want to be with you from now on, and I want to date seriously.

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