深刻

• Reading: しんこく
• Romaji: shinkoku
• Kanji breakdown: 深 (shin) — deep; 刻 (koku) — engrave, carve, time
• Pronunciation: /ɕiŋ.ko.kɯ/

Meaning

Serious; severe; grave. Describes a situation or problem of significant weight or urgency.

A na-adjective commonly paired with problems, situations, and damage: 深刻な問題 (a serious problem), 深刻な被害 (severe damage). Also used as a noun with する to mean 'to take seriously.' Carries a heavier, more alarming nuance than 重要 (important) or まじめ (earnest).

Examples

1. 環境汚染は深刻な問題になっている。 Environmental pollution has become a serious problem.
2. 彼女は深刻な顔で話し始めた。 She began speaking with a grave expression.
3. 人手不足が深刻で仕事が回らない。 The labor shortage is so severe that work can't keep up.

Usage Guide

Context: news, social issues, discussion

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 深 (shin, deep) and 刻 (koku, to engrave/carve). Together, 'deeply engraved' — something that leaves a profound, hard-to-ignore mark.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal