How to Say ‘Seriously’ in Japanese
真剣に
shinken ni
[sheen-ken nee]
💬 Usage Tip: Adverb form of [真剣]. Often used with verbs: [真剣に考える] (“think seriously”), [真剣に話す] (“talk seriously”).
🇯🇵 In Japan: Using [真剣に] can shift the mood immediately—good for “honest talk,” but make sure the setting is quiet and private.
Phrase Breakdown
真剣
shinken
[sheen-ken]
serious; earnest
Noun/adjective meaning “serious.” With に it becomes an adverb.
真剣に考えてから返事する。
I’ll reply after thinking seriously.
に
ni
[nee]
in a ... way (adverb marker)
Makes 真剣 into “seriously.” Often used when confirming intentions: 真剣に付き合う/話す.
真剣に付き合うなら、最初に価値観を話そう。
If we’re going to date seriously, let’s talk about our values first.
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