Translation and Meaning of: 深刻 - shinkoku
The Japanese word 深刻[しんこく] is a term that carries significant weight both in its meaning and its everyday use. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding the context and nuances of this expression can be essential to avoid misunderstandings. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and how this word is perceived in Japan, as well as practical tips for memorizing it.
Many Japanese students encounter 深刻[しんこく] in formal texts, news, or even in serious conversations. Its use is often associated with situations that require attention and reflection. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide accurate and useful information so you can master not just the translation, but also the correct application of this word.
Meaning and Translation of 深刻 [しんこく]
深刻[しんこく] is commonly translated as "grave," "serious," or "profound." However, its meaning goes beyond these superficial definitions. The word is used to describe situations, problems, or emotions that require a careful approach due to their impactful nature. For example, a "serious problem" can be expressed as 深刻な問題[しんこくなもんだい].
It is important to note that 深刻[しんこく] is not limited to negative contexts. In some cases, it can be used to describe deep reflection or intense commitment to something. This semantic flexibility makes the word widely used in different registers of the Japanese language, from everyday conversations to formal speeches.
Origin and Components of Kanji
The word 深刻[しんこく] is composed of two kanjis: 深 (deep) and 刻 (mark, engrave). Together, they convey the idea of something that is deeply marked, be it in a person's mind or in the reality of a situation. This combination reflects well the sense of gravity and seriousness that the word carries.
It is worth noting that the kanji 深 also appears in other words related to depth, such as 深い[ふかい] (deep) or 深淵[しんえん] (abyss). On the other hand, 刻 is often associated with ideas of time and permanence, as in 時刻[じこく] (time) or 彫刻[ちょうこく] (sculpture). Understanding these components can make it easier to memorize and correctly use 深刻[しんこく].
Cultural Use and Frequency
In Japan, 深刻[しんこく] is a word that frequently appears in discussions about social issues, economic crises, or even in political analyses. Its use denotes a genuine concern for the subject at hand. For example, news about climate change or corporate scandals often employs this term to emphasize the seriousness of the situation.
Additionally, in personal conversations, 深刻[しんこく] can be used to describe intense emotional states. A person going through a difficult time might say they are in a 深刻な状況[しんこくなじょうきょう] (in a serious situation). This usage emphasizes the importance of understanding the context before applying the word, avoiding misunderstandings.
Tips for Memorizing 深刻 [しんこく]
An effective way to fix 深刻[しんこく] is to associate it with real or fictional situations that require seriousness. For example, think of a movie or book where a serious problem needs to be solved. By linking the word to that scenario, your brain will find it easier to retrieve it when needed.
Another tip is to practice writing the kanjis separately, understanding their individual meanings. As mentioned earlier, 深 (deep) and 刻 (to mark) are key components that help decipher the meaning of the word. This method not only aids in memorization but also expands your vocabulary in Japanese.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- 重大 (juudai) - Seriously, important; refers to something that has significant consequences.
- 深い (fukai) - Deep; it can refer to a deep meaning or a great physical depth.
- 深遠 (shin'en) - Profound, abstract; conveys an idea of intellectual or spiritual depth.
- 深刻な (shinkokuna) - Serious, grave; used to describe critical situations or those requiring considerable attention.
- 深刻化する (shinkokuka suru) - To become serious; refers to a process of intensifying the seriousness of a situation.
Romaji: shinkoku
Kana: しんこく
Type: adjective
L: jlpt-n3
Translation / Meaning: seriously
Meaning in English: serious
Definition: A situation in which something is important and irreversibly serious.
Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (深刻) shinkoku
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (深刻) shinkoku:
Example Sentences - (深刻) shinkoku
See below some example sentences:
Keizai no akka ga shinkokka shiteimasu
The deterioration of the economy is getting worse.
The economy is getting worse.
- 経済 (keizai) - economy
- の (no) - Possession particle
- 悪化 (akka) - worsening, deterioration
- が (ga) - subject particle
- 深刻化 (shinkokka) - aggravation, intensification
- しています (shiteimasu) - polite form of the verb "suru" (to do)
Shinkoku na jōkyō desu
The situation is serious.
It's a serious situation.
- 深刻な - It means "serious" or "severe".
- 状況 - It means "situation" or "circumstance".
- です - it is a particle that indicates the polite way of affirming something.
Kakusa ga shakai mondai to shite shinkokuka shite iru
Inequality is becoming a serious social problem.
The gap is becoming more serious as a social problem.
- 格差 - inequality
- が - subject particle
- 社会 - society
- 問題 - problem
- として - how
- 深刻化 - worsening
- している - It's running
Jitai wa shinkoku desu
The situation is serious.
The situation is serious.
- 事態 (jitai) - situation, state of affairs
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 深刻 (shinkoku) - grave, serious, critical
- です (desu) - verb to be in the present, formal
Kono mondai no yousou ga masumasu shinkoku ni natteimasu
The situation of this problem is becoming increasingly severe.
The appearance of this problem is becoming increasingly serious.
- この - this
- 問題 - problem
- の - of
- 様相 - aspect
- が - (subject particle)
- ますます - increasingly
- 深刻 - seriously
- に - (adverbial particle)
- なっています - is becoming
Kono jiken wa hijō ni shinkoku desu
This incident is very serious.
This case is very serious.
- この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
- 事件 - noun that means "incident" or "case"
- は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
- 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
- 深刻 - adjective that means "serious" or "severe"
- です - verb "to be" in the present tense, indicating that the sentence is in the present tense and is affirmative
Other Words of this Type: adjective
See other words from our dictionary that are also: adjective
