认真 (rènzhēn) — serious; earnest; conscientious

认真 (rènzhēn)

认真 describes an attitude of taking something seriously and giving it your full, careful attention. It can modify behavior (认真工作 — work conscientiously) or describe a person (她很认真 — she is very serious/diligent). It is distinct from 努力 (hard work in terms of effort) — 认真 emphasizes carefulness and focus.

Meanings

1. [adj] Serious; earnest — taking something with genuine care and attention.
2. [adj] Conscientious; meticulous — thorough and careful in what one does.

Example Sentences

她学习很认真。 Tā xuéxí hěn rènzhēn. She is very serious about her studies.

请认真听老师讲课。 Qǐng rènzhēn tīng lǎoshī jiǎngkè. Please listen carefully to the teacher's lesson.

他对工作非常认真。 Tā duì gōngzuò fēicháng rènzhēn. He is extremely conscientious about his work.

认真写作业，不要随便写。 Rènzhēn xiě zuòyè, bùyào suíbiàn xiě. Write your homework carefully; don't do it carelessly.

Collocations

Memory Hook

认 means "recognize/know" and 真 means "true/real" — being 认真 means you truly recognize what matters and deal with it honestly.