严 (yán) - strict & rigorous

严Tone 2

yán ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 一

嫣妍

严 · yán

strict;

rigorous;

severe;

tight;

stern;

father (respectful term)

strictrigoroussevere

Usage highlights

strictsternseriousseverestrictly forbidtight defense

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 松— loose; relaxed
  • 宽— lenient; broad
  • 慈— kind; compassionate

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The teacher is very strict (老师很严厉).
  • We must strictly follow the rules (严格遵守规则).
  • This is a serious matter (这是件严肃的事).
  • He is my respected father (家严).

Collocations

  • strict(严格)
  • stern(严厉)
  • serious(严肃)
  • severe(严酷)
  • strictly forbid(严禁)
  • tight defense(严防)

Idioms

  • Strict father and loving mother(严父慈母)
  • Strict discipline and high demands(严师高徒)
  • Severe punishment without mercy(严惩不贷)
  • Tightly guarded(戒备森严)
  • Stern words and serious expression(严词厉色)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese culture, '严' represents discipline and high standards, especially in education and family upbringing.
  • Used as a respectful term for one's own father (家严) in classical Chinese, contrasting with '慈' for mother.
  • The character embodies Confucian values of proper conduct and moral rigor.

FAQ