嚴 (yán) - Strict, severe, rigorous & tight, taut

嚴Tone 2

yán ｜ 19 strokes ｜ radical:

妍嬿

嚴 · yán

Strict, severe, rigorous;

tight, taut;

stern, serious;

father (respectful term);

surname Yan.

Strict, severe, rigoroustight, tautstern, serious

Usage highlights

Strict teacherSerious problemStern expressionStrict disciplineTight sealRigorous requirements

Synonyms

  • 厉— strict, severe
  • 紧— tight, taut
  • 肃— solemn, serious

Antonyms

  • 松— loose, relaxed
  • 宽— lenient, broad
  • 慈— kind, loving

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The teacher is very strict (老师很严厉).
  • This is a serious problem (这是一个严重的问题).
  • He has a stern expression (他表情严肃).
  • The father is strict with his children (父亲对孩子很严).

Collocations

  • Strict teacher(严师)
  • Serious problem(严重的问题)
  • Stern expression(严肃的表情)
  • Strict discipline(严明的纪律)
  • Tight seal(严密的密封)
  • Rigorous requirements(严格的要求)

Idioms

  • Strict father, loving mother(严父慈母)
  • Strict discipline and fair enforcement(严明公正)
  • Severe punishment, stern law(严刑峻法)
  • Tightly guarded, impenetrable(戒备森严)
  • Stern words, stern expression(严词厉色)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese family values, '严父慈母' represents the complementary parenting roles of strict father and loving mother.
  • The character embodies Confucian values of discipline, seriousness, and moral rigor in personal conduct.
  • As a surname, Yan has historical significance with notable figures throughout Chinese history.

FAQ