Meaning
认真 describes an attitude of being serious, careful, and thorough when doing something. It conveys the idea of not being careless or perfunctory, but rather paying close attention and putting in genuine effort. It can describe a person's character or the manner in which they approach a task.
Usage
认真 is extremely common in everyday speech and writing. It can function as an adjective (他很认真 'he is very conscientious') or as an adverb modifying verbs (认真学习 'to study seriously'). It carries positive connotations of responsibility and dedication. Parents and teachers frequently use this word when encouraging students to apply themselves diligently.
Examples
- 01你要认真听老师讲课。.You need to listen carefully to the teacher's lecture.
- 02他工作很认真，从不马虎。, .He is very conscientious in his work and never careless.
Characters
Common collocations
- 认真学习to study seriously
- 认真工作to work conscientiously
- 认真对待to take seriously, to treat seriously
- 很认真very serious/earnest
Antonyms
Origin
The compound 认真 literally combines 认 (to recognize/acknowledge) and 真 (true/real), suggesting the idea of 'acknowledging what is real' or 'treating something as genuinely important,' which evolved into the modern meaning of being serious and conscientious.