粛 (sù) - Solemn, respectful, serious & to eliminate, remove

粛Tone 4

sù ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

树檀

粛 · sù

Solemn, respectful, serious;

to eliminate, remove;

referring to ancient Chinese officialdom;

also used in Japanese kanji.

Solemn, respectful, seriousto eliminate, removereferring to ancient Chinese officialdom

Usage highlights

Elimination/purgeSolemn silenceRespectful and solemnSolemn ceremonyPurge of officialsSolemn atmosphere

Synonyms

  • 厳— strict, severe
  • 粛粛— solemn, respectful

Antonyms

  • 乱— chaotic, disorderly
  • 騒— noisy, boisterous

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The ceremony was solemn and respectful (粛粛とした).
  • He eliminated corruption from the organization (粛清).
  • The room fell silent (粛然とした).
  • The emperor's procession was dignified (粛粛たる行列).

Collocations

  • Elimination/purge(粛清)
  • Solemn silence(粛然)
  • Respectful and solemn(粛粛)
  • Solemn ceremony(粛粛たる儀式)
  • Purge of officials(粛正)
  • Solemn atmosphere(粛粛たる雰囲気)

Idioms

  • Solemn and respectful(粛粛として)
  • Purge and clean up(粛清粛正)
  • Silent and respectful(粛然として)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted ritual purification and solemn ceremonies in ancient China.
  • Used in official contexts to describe the elimination of corruption or dissent.
  • Carries strong connotations of formality, dignity, and sometimes severity.
  • Commonly used in Japanese kanji with similar meanings of solemnity and purification.

FAQ