How to say "seriously" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- adverb, suru verbCovers 'seriously' in the sense of doing something properly, earnestly and reliably rather than half-heartedly — taking one's work or studies seriously. Typical context: urging someone to do a task as it should be done.
- adverb (with と)Only marginally 'seriously': its real senses are keenly, deeply and heartily — heartfelt, deeply felt emotion or earnest words. For the plain 'seriously' of doing things properly it is seldom the word you want.
Use 「ちゃんと」 for the 'seriously' of doing something properly and earnestly, while 「しみじみ」 gives 'seriously' only as deep, heartfelt feeling, its real senses being keenly, deeply and heartily.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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