Dictionary
English - Korean

Serious

ˈsɪriəs
Extremely common
800 - 900
800 - 900
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

진지한 (jinji-han), 심각한 (simgakhan), 엄숙한 (eomsukhan), 진지하게 (jinji-hage)

Serious meanings in Korean

진지한 (jinji-han)

Example:
He is serious about his studies.
그는 공부에 진지하다.
We need to have a serious discussion.
우리는 진지한 논의가 필요하다.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in contexts requiring earnestness or gravity, often in discussions or when expressing commitment.
Note: This form emphasizes the importance and commitment to a subject or situation.

심각한 (simgakhan)

Example:
The situation is serious.
상황이 심각하다.
He has a serious illness.
그는 심각한 병을 앓고 있다.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used to describe situations that are severe or critical, often in medical or emergency contexts.
Note: This term highlights the gravity of a situation and is often used in serious discussions.

엄숙한 (eomsukhan)

Example:
They held a serious ceremony.
그들은 엄숙한 의식을 치렀다.
His expression was serious during the ceremony.
그의 표정은 의식 동안 엄숙했다.
Usage: formalContext: Used in formal occasions or ceremonies, indicating a solemn tone.
Note: This meaning conveys a sense of dignity and respect, often used in formal contexts.

진지하게 (jinji-hage)

Example:
Please take this seriously.
이것을 진지하게 받아들여 주세요.
She spoke to him seriously.
그녀는 그에게 진지하게 말했다.
Usage: informalContext: Used when urging someone to be sincere or earnest in a more casual conversation.
Note: This form is often used to stress the importance of being sincere or paying attention.

Serious's synonyms

grave

Grave implies seriousness and often suggests a sense of urgency or importance.
Example: The situation is grave and requires immediate attention.
Note: Grave can imply a more severe or critical level of seriousness compared to 'serious'.

earnest

Earnest conveys a deep sincerity or seriousness in one's intentions or actions.
Example: She spoke in an earnest tone, showing her genuine concern.
Note: Earnest often implies a heartfelt seriousness or commitment to a cause or belief.

solemn

Solemn suggests a serious and dignified behavior or mood, often associated with formal occasions or rituals.
Example: The ceremony was conducted in a solemn atmosphere.
Note: Solemn carries a sense of gravity and reverence that may not always be present in the term 'serious'.

severe

Severe indicates a high degree of seriousness, often related to harsh or extreme circumstances.
Example: The company faces severe financial challenges.
Note: Severe implies a more intense or critical level of seriousness, usually involving significant consequences.

Serious expressions, common phrases

dead serious

To be completely serious or earnest about something.
Example: I'm dead serious about quitting smoking this time.
Note: The addition of 'dead' intensifies the seriousness of the statement.

serious business

Something that is significant, important, or requires full attention and effort.
Example: Preparing for the presentation is serious business; we can't afford to make mistakes.
Note: The term 'serious business' highlights the gravity or importance of a matter.

take something seriously

To consider something as important and deserving attention or effort.
Example: You need to take your studies seriously if you want to improve your grades.
Note: Emphasizes the act of giving importance to something rather than just acknowledging it.

get serious

To start being focused, determined, or committed to a task or goal.
Example: We need to get serious about our health and start exercising regularly.
Note: Implies a shift in attitude or behavior towards a more dedicated or earnest approach.

a serious contender

Someone or something that has a strong chance of winning or succeeding in a competition.
Example: She is a serious contender for the position of team captain; her skills are unmatched.
Note: Highlights the competitiveness or strong capability of the individual or entity.

in all seriousness

To emphasize that what is being said is earnest, genuine, or not a joke.
Example: In all seriousness, we need to address the issue before it gets out of hand.
Note: Indicates a transition to a more sincere or genuine tone in conversation.

serious as a heart attack

Extremely serious or grave, with no room for doubt or levity.
Example: His warning was serious as a heart attack; we knew we had to heed it.
Note: The comparison to a heart attack underscores the severity and urgency of the situation.

get down to serious business

To start focusing on important or crucial matters without further delay.
Example: Now that the introductions are over, let's get down to serious business and discuss the project details.
Note: Emphasizes the transition from casual or introductory activities to a more significant or critical task.

serious about (something)

To be genuinely committed, dedicated, or sincere about a particular intention or goal.
Example: She's serious about pursuing a career in music; it's her passion.
Note: Highlights a strong level of commitment or determination towards a specific objective or interest.

Serious everyday (slang) expressions

deadly serious

To emphasize extreme seriousness or sincerity about something.
Example: When he said he would quit his job if he didn't get a raise, he was deadly serious.
Note: The addition of 'deadly' intensifies the seriousness.

real talk

Slang used to emphasize that what is being said is genuine, honest, or serious.
Example: Real talk, you need to start taking your studies more seriously if you want to improve.
Note: Adds a conversational and informal tone to serious statements.

no joke

Indicating that something is serious, authentic, or significant.
Example: He may seem laid back, but when it comes to his work, he's no joke.
Note: Implies a seriousness that should not be underestimated.

on the real

Slang term to express authenticity, honesty, or sincerity in what is being said.
Example: On the real, I think you should consider starting your own business.
Note: Conveys a sense of being genuine or legitimate in a casual manner.

all business

Describing someone who is serious, focused, and professional in their actions.
Example: When she's in the office, she's all business, getting things done efficiently.
Note: Emphasizes a no-nonsense approach to tasks or interactions.

Serious - Examples

Serious problems require serious solutions.
심각한 문제는 심각한 해결책이 필요합니다.
This is a serious matter that needs to be addressed immediately.
이것은 즉시 해결해야 할 심각한 문제입니다.
It's important to take your job seriously if you want to succeed.
성공하고 싶다면 당신의 일을 진지하게 대하는 것이 중요합니다.

Serious grammar

Serious - Adjective (Adjective) / Adjective (Adjective)
Lemma: serious
Conjugations
Adjective (Adjective): serious
Syllables, Separation and Stress
serious Contains 3 syllables: se • ri • ous
Phonetic transcription: ˈsir-ē-əs
se ri ous , ˈsir ē əs (The red syllable is stressed)

Serious - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
serious: 800 - 900 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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