serious matter
مسألة خطيرة
Use it to signal that a topic is important and requires a focused, non-joking attitude.
En 15 secondes
- Used for topics that require focus and immediate attention.
- Signals that a conversation is not a joke or lighthearted.
- Common in professional, medical, legal, and personal crisis contexts.
Signification
This phrase describes a situation or problem that is important and needs your full attention. It is not a joke and should not be ignored because the consequences could be bad.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6A boss talking to an employee about a mistake
We need to talk about the data leak; it is a very serious matter.
نحن بحاجة للتحدث عن تسريب البيانات؛ إنها مسألة خطيرة للغاية.
A doctor explaining a test result
Your heart health is a serious matter that we must address now.
صحة قلبك مسألة خطيرة يجب أن نعالجها الآن.
Texting a friend about a broken promise
Hey, your constant lateness is becoming a serious matter for our friendship.
مهلاً، تأخرك المستمر أصبح مسألة خطيرة بالنسبة لصداقتنا.
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects a Western communication style that values clear signaling of intent. It became a standard legal and professional term in the 19th century to distinguish between casual disputes and those requiring court intervention. Today, it serves as a social 'reset button' to shift from small talk to meaningful dialogue.
The 'Tone' Secret
When you say this, lower your voice slightly and slow down. It adds a psychological weight that makes people listen instantly.
Avoid Overuse
If everything is a 'serious matter,' then nothing is. Use it only for things that truly have consequences.
En 15 secondes
- Used for topics that require focus and immediate attention.
- Signals that a conversation is not a joke or lighthearted.
- Common in professional, medical, legal, and personal crisis contexts.
What It Means
Think of serious matter as a red flag. It tells everyone that the fun and games are over. It refers to a topic that has weight or importance. If someone says this to you, they want you to stop what you are doing. They need you to listen carefully. It is about things like health, money, or safety.
How To Use It
You usually use it at the start of a conversation. It sets the tone for the rest of the talk. You can say, "We need to discuss a serious matter." It acts like a verbal highlighter. It makes the next thing you say feel very heavy. Use it when you want to be taken seriously.
When To Use It
Use it in a meeting when the budget is missing. Use it with a friend if they are making a dangerous choice. It works well when you are talking to a doctor. You can even use it when texting a roommate about unpaid rent. It shows you are not being dramatic, just honest. It is perfect for moments that require a straight face.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for small things. If you lost your favorite pen, it is not a serious matter. Using it for tiny problems makes you sound like a drama queen. Avoid it during a comedy show or a light party. If you use it too much, people will stop listening. Save it for the big stuff to keep its power.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, we often use humor to hide stress. However, serious matter is the signal to drop the jokes. It is a very direct way of communicating. In the UK or US, being direct about importance is respected. It shows you value the other person's time. It has been a staple in legal and medical talk for centuries.
Common Variations
You might hear people say grave matter for something even heavier. Some might say serious business if it involves work or money. A matter of life and death is the extreme version. If you want to sound a bit softer, try important issue. But serious matter remains the most balanced and common choice.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is highly versatile and sits right in the middle of the formality scale. It is safe to use with your boss, your doctor, or your spouse. Just remember that it demands a change in atmosphere—don't say it while laughing.
The 'Tone' Secret
When you say this, lower your voice slightly and slow down. It adds a psychological weight that makes people listen instantly.
Avoid Overuse
If everything is a 'serious matter,' then nothing is. Use it only for things that truly have consequences.
Sarcastic Use
English speakers love sarcasm. If someone says 'This is a serious matter' while pointing at a spilled milkshake, they are definitely joking.
Exemples
6We need to talk about the data leak; it is a very serious matter.
نحن بحاجة للتحدث عن تسريب البيانات؛ إنها مسألة خطيرة للغاية.
Sets a professional tone for a difficult conversation.
Your heart health is a serious matter that we must address now.
صحة قلبك مسألة خطيرة يجب أن نعالجها الآن.
Conveys urgency and importance without causing unnecessary panic.
Hey, your constant lateness is becoming a serious matter for our friendship.
مهلاً، تأخرك المستمر أصبح مسألة خطيرة بالنسبة لصداقتنا.
Uses the phrase to show that a boundary has been crossed.
Driving without a seatbelt is a serious matter, young man!
القيادة بدون حزام أمان مسألة خطيرة يا شاب!
Emphasizes safety and authority.
Running out of coffee in this house is a very serious matter.
نفاد القهوة في هذا المنزل هو مسألة خطيرة جداً.
Uses hyperbole (exaggeration) for comedic effect.
The lack of clean water in the park is a serious matter for all residents.
نقص المياه النظيفة في الحديقة مسألة خطيرة لجميع السكان.
Addresses a public concern with appropriate weight.
Teste-toi
Choose the best word to complete the phrase for a formal warning.
The security breach is a ___ matter that requires an immediate investigation.
Security breaches are dangerous and important, so 'serious' is the only logical choice.
Identify the context where this phrase is most likely used.
A lawyer says: 'The witness's statement is a ___ matter for the case.'
Legal cases involve high stakes, making 'serious matter' a standard collocation in law.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Range of 'Serious Matter'
Used with friends to show you aren't joking.
Losing my keys is a serious matter!
Standard everyday use for important issues.
We have a serious matter to discuss.
Used in legal or official documents.
This is a serious matter of national security.
When to use 'Serious Matter'
Health Concerns
Talking to a surgeon
Financial Issues
Discussing a bank loan
Safety/Law
Reporting a crime
Relationships
Setting boundaries
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsTechnically yes, but it sounds sarcastic. If you use it for a broken pencil, people will think you are being funny or overly dramatic.
They are very similar! A serious matter sounds a bit more formal and broad, while a serious problem specifically implies something is broken or wrong.
Yes, it is perfect for business. Use it to introduce a topic like We have a serious matter regarding the quarterly budget.
You can, but it sounds more childish. Serious matter sounds much more professional and mature.
The best response is to show you are listening. Say something like, I understand. Please tell me more, or I'm listening.
It is used equally in both. It is a standard phrase across the entire English-speaking world.
No, it's neutral. You can use it with a best friend if you are talking about something like their health or a big life change.
Yes, usually. You say This is a serious matter or The matter is serious.
The opposite would be a trivial matter or a lighthearted topic.
Yes, it’s often used when one partner wants to talk about the future or a conflict. Honey, we have a serious matter to discuss.
Expressions liées
No laughing matter
Something that is very serious and should not be joked about.
Grave concern
A very high level of worry about a situation.
Weighty issue
A problem that is complex and important.
Matter of fact
Something that is strictly true without emotion (don't confuse with serious matter!).
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