认真 rènzhēn serious, careful
take seriously
How to remember 认真: 认 recognize + 真 truly = serious, careful.
Characters
How it is used
- "Conscientious, serious about it" - 认真学习 (rènzhēn xuéxí) study earnestly, 他工作很认真 (tā gōngzuò hěn rènzhēn) he works diligently.
- Describes attitude/effort, not intelligence - contrast 聪明 (smart). Chinese praise often values 认真 over natural talent.
- Also "take seriously / for real": 你认真的吗 (nǐ rènzhēn de ma) are you serious?; 认真对待 (rènzhēn duìdài) treat seriously.
Example sentences
- 学生应该认真学习。 Xuésheng yīnggāi rènzhēn xuéxí.Students should study diligently.
- 考试前要认真复习。 Kǎoshì qián yào rènzhēn fùxí.You must review your lessons well before the examination.
- 学习认真是他的优点。 Xuéxí rènzhēn shì tā de yōudiǎn.Studying hard is his strength.