"你是认真的吗？"

Translation: Are you serious?

[deactivated user]

The phrase most often used by participants in this tree!

[kyleyeh]

i'm only a heritage speaker but i'm pretty sure 认真 isn't really used this way?

[Tomastommm]

认真 is diligent, hard working or earnest. This translation is a bit strange. It shouldn't be "serious" but "hard working"

[Rk5I3]

Then what would make a better "serious, not kidding" in Chinese?

[__Damien__]

I realized I've never said " Are you serious " in Chinese before, but other variations along the line such as

" Seriously?? " - 真的吗??

" Are you joking?? " - 你在开什么玩笑呢? OR

"Are you joking!!" - 你在开什么玩笑啊!

I don't know if this is any help :P

[emily24192]

Yeah this is odd. 认真 is closer to "earnest." Or "taking something to heart."

[Calvin554473]

should "are you for real" be an acceptable answer?

[Maxos_parmensis]

I dont understand the grammar here. Is 的 used to make the adjective 认真 become a noun?

[Tomastommm]

Yes, it does.

[duckmaestro]

的 implies a connection back to the subject (你)

[marty641]

Yes,i am sorry that i broke your favorite cup!

[pjtpjt]

Surely you're not serious.

[SeanHammett]

"Don't call me Shirley"