认真 (rènzhēn)

认真 describes a serious, careful, and conscientious attitude toward work or study.

Meanings

[adjective] serious; earnest; conscientious; diligent; careful

Example Sentences

她学习非常认真，每天都复习。 Tā xuéxí fēicháng rènzhēn, měitiān dōu fùxí. She studies very earnestly and reviews every day.

请认真听讲，不要走神。 Qǐng rènzhēn tīngjiǎng, bùyào zǒushén. Please listen carefully and do not let your mind wander.

认真工作的人更容易成功。 Rènzhēn gōngzuò de rén gèng róngyì chénggōng. People who work conscientiously are more likely to succeed.

你要认真对待每一次机会。 Nǐ yào rènzhēn duìdài měi yīcì jīhuì. You should take every opportunity seriously.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
认真学习 (rènzhēn xuéxí)	to study earnestly
认真工作 (rènzhēn gōngzuò)	to work diligently
认真听 (rènzhēn tīng)	to listen carefully
不认真 (bù rènzhēn)	not serious; careless

Usage Notes

认真 is used both attributively (认真的态度, a serious attitude) and predicatively (他很认真, he is very serious). It is one of the most valued academic and professional qualities in Chinese culture. The phrase 认真对待 (to take seriously) is very common in formal speech and writing.

Memory Hook

认 (to recognize) + 真 (true/real) — to be 认真 is to recognize and engage with what is truly real and important, giving it your full attention.