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C1 adjective 9 min read

厳密な

genmitsu na
Examples 厳密な in 30 Seconds
Explanation 厳密な in your Level:
At the A1 level, '厳密な' (genmitsu-na) is a very advanced word that you usually won't need. However, you can think of it as a 'super strong' version of 'strict' or 'correct.' In English, we say 'Strict rules.' In Japanese, for basic things, we use 'kibishii.' But if a rule is very, very detailed and must be followed exactly, like in a science class, we use 'genmitsu.' You might see it in simple signs about 'Genmitsu-na jikan' (Strict time). Just remember: it means 'no mistakes allowed.' It is not used for a 'strict teacher' (use 'kibishii' for that). It is used for things like 'strict rules' or 'strict checks.' Even at A1, knowing that this word exists helps you understand that Japanese has many different words for 'strict' depending on the situation. For now, just recognize it as a word for 'very exact.' Imagine a robot following a program—that robot is being 'genmitsu.'
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At the A2 level, you might start seeing '厳密な' in more formal notices or simple news articles. It's a 'na-adjective,' so it works like 'kirei-na' or 'shizuka-na.' You add 'na' before a noun. For example, 'genmitsu-na kensa' means 'a strict inspection.' You will often hear 'Genmitsu ni' (with 'ni') which makes it an adverb, meaning 'strictly.' A common phrase is 'Genmitsu ni iu to...' which means 'Strictly speaking...' You can use this when you want to correct a small detail. For example, if someone says 'Japan is always hot in summer,' you could say 'Genmitsu ni iu to, Hokkaido is not that hot.' It's a useful way to sound more precise. Remember that 'genmitsu' is about the *standard* or the *method*, not the person's feelings. If a person is scary and strict, that's 'kibishii.' If a test is graded very carefully with no half-points, that's 'genmitsu.'
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At the B1 level, you should begin to use '厳密な' in your writing and formal speaking. This word is essential for moving beyond basic descriptions and into more professional territory. It describes things that are 'rigorous' or 'exhaustive.' For example, in a business meeting, you might talk about 'genmitsu-na kanri' (rigorous management) of customer data. This sounds much more professional than just saying 'shikkari kanri' (managing well). You should also learn the noun form 'genmitsu-sa' (rigor/strictness). You might say, 'This plan lacks rigor' (Kono puran wa genmitsu-sa ni kakeru). B1 learners often confuse this with 'seikaku' (accurate). While 'seikaku' is just about being 'right,' 'genmitsu' is about the process of being 'unwaveringly thorough.' If you are doing a project for school or work, and you check every single detail three times, you are being 'genmitsu.'
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At the B2 level, you are expected to understand the nuance between '厳密な' and its synonyms like '精密な' (seimitsu-na) and '緻密な' (chimitsu-na). 'Genmitsu' is your primary tool for discussing logic, laws, and definitions. When you are debating a topic, you might say 'Genmitsu-na teigi ga hitsuyou desu' (A strict definition is necessary). This implies that without a clear boundary, the discussion cannot proceed. You will also see this word in scientific contexts, describing 'genmitsu-na jikken' (rigorous experiments). At this level, you should be comfortable using the adverbial 'genmitsu-ni' to qualify your statements. For instance, 'Genmitsu-ni ieba, kore wa gosa no han-ni desu' (Strictly speaking, this is within the margin of error). You should also notice its use in the passive voice in formal texts, such as 'Genmitsu-na kensa ga okonawareta' (A rigorous inspection was carried out). This word is a hallmark of the 'Formal/Written' register (Kougo vs. Bungo).
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At the C1 level, '厳密な' is a word you should use with high precision. You understand that it is not just about 'strictness' but about the 'density of logic.' It refers to a system or process that is closed to any external interference or internal error. You can use it to describe philosophical arguments, legal interpretations, or high-level technical specifications. For example, 'genmitsu-na ronri' (rigorous logic) is a staple of academic critique. You should also be aware of its collocations in specialized fields: 'genmitsu-na koushou' (rigorous historical verification) in history, or 'genmitsu-na shinsa' (rigorous screening) in grant applications. At this level, you can use the word to express subtle shades of meaning—for instance, distinguishing between a 'strict rule' (genkaku-na kisoku) which focuses on the authority, and a 'rigorous rule' (genmitsu-na kisoku) which focuses on the technical exactness of the rule itself. Your ability to use 'genmitsu' correctly in a business proposal or a research paper will significantly enhance your perceived fluency and professional credibility.
At the C2 level, '厳密な' is part of your natural vocabulary for nuanced intellectual expression. You can distinguish between 'genmitsu' and 'genkaku' (strict/solemn) or 'genjou' (severe/strict) with ease. In C2 level discourse, you might use 'genmitsu' to critique the very foundations of a theory, questioning its 'genmitsu-sa' (rigor). You are also familiar with the word's presence in classical-leaning or highly formal literature where it might describe the 'genmitsu' structure of a poem or a musical composition. You can use it effortlessly in the phrase 'genmitsu ni shite...' (being rigorous and...), a sophisticated way to link two qualities of a process. Furthermore, you understand its role in 'genmitsu-na kaishaku' within the context of constitutional law or theological study, where every character of a text is weighed for its exact meaning. For a C2 speaker, 'genmitsu' is not just an adjective; it is a conceptual framework for approaching any task that requires the highest level of human or technical precision. You use it to signal that you are operating at the peak of professional standards.
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Examples

厳密な in 30 Seconds

  • Used for logical and scientific rigor.
  • Commonly used in the phrase 'strictly speaking'.
  • Formal na-adjective for precision and rules.
  • Not used for a person's personality (use 'kibishii' instead).

The Japanese word 厳密な (げんみつな - Genmitsu-na) is a high-level na-adjective that translates primarily to 'rigorous,' 'strict,' or 'exacting.' While the English word 'strict' can refer to a person's personality or a set of rules, genmitsu carries a specific nuance of logical precision, scientific accuracy, and the total absence of gaps or errors. It is formed by two kanji: 厳 (Gen), meaning 'severe' or 'stern,' and 密 (Mitsu), meaning 'dense,' 'close,' or 'tight.' Together, they describe a state that is so 'densely stern' that not even the smallest mistake or deviation can pass through.

Scientific Context
In laboratory settings or mathematical proofs, this word is used to describe the methodology or the logic applied. A 'rigorous experiment' (厳密な実験) is one where every variable is controlled with extreme care.

この理論を証明するには、厳密なデータ分析が必要です。 (To prove this theory, rigorous data analysis is necessary.)

Beyond science, you will frequently encounter this word in legal and administrative contexts. When a law is applied 'strictly,' or when a definition is 'exacting,' genmitsu is the go-to term. It implies that there is no room for interpretation or 'gray areas.' If a contract has a 'strict definition' of a term, that is a genmitsu-na teigi. It is also a staple in intellectual discourse; the phrase 厳密に言うと (Genmitsu ni iu to), meaning 'strictly speaking,' is used to correct a generalization or provide a more accurate detail.

Quality Control
In Japanese manufacturing (Monozukuri), 'genmitsu-na kensa' (rigorous inspection) ensures that products meet the highest global standards, reflecting the cultural value of precision.

製品は出荷前に厳密な品質チェックを受けます。 (The products undergo a rigorous quality check before shipping.)

Finally, it is important to distinguish genmitsu from kibishii. While kibishii describes a person who is hard on others or a situation that is difficult, genmitsu describes the standard itself. A teacher might be kibishii (strict) because they yell, but their grading is genmitsu (rigorous) because it follows the rubric to the letter. Understanding this distinction is key to reaching C1 fluency in Japanese, as it allows you to describe systems and processes with professional accuracy.

Using 厳密な correctly requires understanding its role as a na-adjective. This means it usually precedes a noun with the particle 'na' or acts as an adverb with 'ni.' Because it is a formal word, it appears most often in written reports, news broadcasts, and academic lectures. In daily conversation, it is used when people want to be very specific about a point they are making, often to avoid misunderstandings in business or technical matters.

The Adverbial Form: 厳密に (Genmitsu-ni)
This form is used to modify verbs, most commonly 'to say' (iu), 'to investigate' (shiraberu), or 'to manage' (kanri suru). Using 'genmitsu-ni' signals to your listener that you are about to provide a highly accurate, non-casual detail.

厳密に言うと、彼は社員ではなく契約コンサルタントです。 (Strictly speaking, he is not an employee but a contract consultant.)

Another common pattern is using it to describe 'management' or 'control' (管理 - kanri). In the context of data privacy or hazardous materials, 'genmitsu-na kanri' implies a system where every single item is accounted for and no unauthorized access is possible. It conveys a sense of security and professional duty. When you use this word, you are emphasizing the 'tightness' of the system.

The Negative Form: 厳密ではない
To say something is 'not rigorous' or 'loose,' you use 'genmitsu dewa nai.' This is a polite way to criticize a study or a plan for lacking detail or being too vague.

その説明は少し厳密さに欠けるかもしれません。 (That explanation might lack a bit of rigor/precision.)

In academic writing, you will see the noun form 厳密さ (Genmitsu-sa), meaning 'rigor' or 'strictness.' It is often paired with the verb 欠ける (kakeru - to lack) or 求める (motomeru - to require/seek). For example, 'Academic papers require rigor' would be 'Gakujutsu ronbun ni wa genmitsu-sa ga motomerareru.' Mastery of these patterns allows you to navigate professional Japanese environments where precision is not just valued, but expected.

The word 厳密な is ubiquitous in environments where 'getting it right' is the highest priority. If you watch the Japanese news (like NHK), you will hear it during segments on law, government policy, and scientific breakthroughs. For instance, when a new law is passed, the reporter might discuss the 'genmitsu-na unyou' (rigorous implementation) of the new regulations. It signals to the public that the government is taking the matter seriously and will not allow for loopholes.

In the Courtroom
Lawyers and judges use 'genmitsu' to discuss the interpretation of legal texts. A 'genmitsu-na kaishaku' (strict interpretation) means following the letter of the law exactly, without considering the 'spirit' or external context.

裁判官は法律の厳密な適用を求めた。 (The judge demanded a strict application of the law.)

In the corporate world, specifically in IT and engineering, genmitsu is used during system testing and security audits. When a lead engineer says, 'We need to perform a genmitsu-na tesuto,' they are telling the team that 'good enough' is not acceptable. Every edge case must be covered. Similarly, in financial sectors, 'genmitsu-na kansa' (rigorous audit) is a term used to reassure investors that the company's books are perfectly accurate and free of manipulation.

Medical and Pharmaceutical Fields
When discussing drug dosages or clinical trials, 'genmitsu' is used to emphasize safety. A 'genmitsu-na touyo' (rigorous administration) of medicine ensures that the patient receives the exact amount needed, no more and no less.

この薬の服用には、厳密なスケジュール管理が必要です。 (Taking this medicine requires rigorous schedule management.)

You might even hear it in high-end culinary contexts, such as an Edo-mae sushi chef explaining the 'genmitsu-na ondo kanri' (rigorous temperature control) of the vinegared rice (shari). In this context, it elevates the craft from simple cooking to a disciplined art form. Whether it's a rocket launch or a perfect piece of sushi, genmitsu is the word that bridges the gap between 'good' and 'flawless' in Japanese society.

The most common mistake learners make with 厳密な is confusing it with other words for 'strict' or 'accurate.' Because English often uses 'strict' for both people and procedures, it's easy to misapply genmitsu. Let's break down these common pitfalls to ensure your Japanese sounds natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Using it for Personality
If you say 'Watashi no chichi wa genmitsu desu' to mean 'My father is strict,' a Japanese person might think your father is a robot or a set of mathematical rules. For a strict parent or teacher, use 厳しい (kibishii). Use genmitsu only if you are talking about the way your father follows a specific process (e.g., 'My father is rigorous about accounting').

❌ 彼は厳密な先生です。 (He is a rigorous teacher - sounds like he is a machine.)
✅ 彼は厳しい先生です。 (He is a strict teacher.)

Another mistake involves the word 正確 (seikaku). While both mean 'accurate,' seikaku is simply about being correct (e.g., the correct time, the correct answer). Genmitsu implies a high standard of detail and logic. If you say a clock is genmitsu, it sounds like you are discussing its scientific synchronization with an atomic clock, whereas seikaku just means it's not wrong.

Mistake 2: Confusing with 精密 (Seimitsu)
These two are very close. 精密 (Seimitsu) is usually for physical precision, such as 'precision instruments' (精密機器) or 'precision machinery.' Genmitsu is for abstract concepts like logic, definitions, and rules. You have a 'genmitsu-na teigi' (strict definition) but a 'seimitsu-na kikai' (precision machine).

❌ 厳密な時計 (Rigorous clock - unnatural)
✅ 精密な時計 (Precision clock)

Finally, avoid using genmitsu in very casual settings unless you are being intentionally hyperbolic or humorous. If you tell a friend 'We need a genmitsu-na plan for tonight's party,' it sounds like you are planning a military operation. In casual settings, ちゃんとした (chan-to shita) or しっかりした (shikkari shita) are much more natural choices for 'solid' or 'proper' plans.

To truly master 厳密な, you must see how it fits into the broader ecosystem of Japanese synonyms for precision and strictness. Each word has its own 'territory,' and choosing the right one marks the difference between a student and a proficient speaker.

1. 厳しい (Kibishii)
Focus: Discipline and hardship. Use this for strict parents, harsh weather, or a difficult economic situation. Unlike genmitsu, it often carries an emotional or situational weight.
2. 正確な (Seikaku-na)
Focus: Accuracy. Use this when something is 'right' vs 'wrong.' It is the most general word for accuracy. A clock is seikaku, and an answer on a test is seikaku.
3. 精密な (Seimitsu-na)
Focus: Detail and Physical Precision. Used for microscopes, watches, and detailed drawings. If you can see the tiny parts or high resolution, it's seimitsu.

比較：
・厳密な区別 (A rigorous/strict logical distinction)
・正確な数字 (An accurate/correct number)
・精密な機械 (A precision machine)

There is also 緻密な (Chimitsu-na), which means 'minute' or 'fine-grained.' This is often used for a 'finely woven' plan or a 'detailed' piece of work where many small parts are carefully put together. While genmitsu is about the strictness of the rule, chimitsu is about the density of the detail. A detective might have a chimitsu plan to catch a thief, but they must follow genmitsu procedures to ensure the evidence is admissible in court.

4. 厳格な (Genkaku-na)
Focus: Rigid Adherence to Rules/Morals. This is very close to genmitsu but is more often used for people or institutions that are unyielding in their discipline. A 'genkaku-na' household is one with very strict moral rules.

When choosing an alternative, ask yourself: Is this about being 'correct' (正確), being 'detailed' (緻密), being 'physically precise' (精密), or being 'stern' (厳しい)? If the answer is 'following a rule or logic to the absolute letter with no exceptions,' then 厳密な is your perfect choice.

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Examples by Level

1

厳密なルールがあります。

There are strict rules.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Rule (noun).

2

時間は厳密に守ってください。

Please follow the time strictly.

Genmitsu-ni (adverb) + Mamoru (verb).

3

厳密なチェックをします。

We will do a strict check.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Check (noun).

4

これは厳密なテストです。

This is a strict/rigorous test.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Test (noun).

5

厳密に言うと、違います。

Strictly speaking, it's different.

Genmitsu-ni (adverb) + Iu (verb).

6

厳密な計画を立てました。

I made a strict plan.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Keikaku (noun).

7

厳密な区別が必要です。

A strict distinction is necessary.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Kubetsu (noun).

8

厳密な管理をしています。

We are doing strict management.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Kanri (noun).

1

その言葉の厳密な意味は何ですか？

What is the strict meaning of that word?

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Imi (noun).

2

厳密に計算すると、105円になります。

Calculating strictly, it becomes 105 yen.

Genmitsu-ni (adverb) + Keisan (verb).

3

厳密な審査の結果、合格しました。

As a result of a rigorous screening, I passed.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Shinsa (noun).

4

この実験には厳密な温度管理が重要です。

Strict temperature control is important for this experiment.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Kanri (noun).

5

厳密に言うと、彼は私の兄ではありません。

Strictly speaking, he is not my older brother.

Genmitsu-ni (adverb) + Iu (verb).

6

工場では厳密な品質チェックが行われています。

Rigorous quality checks are being conducted at the factory.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Quality Check (noun).

7

この薬は厳密な量を飲む必要があります。

It is necessary to take a strict amount of this medicine.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Ryou (noun).

8

彼の話は厳密には正しくありません。

His story is not strictly correct.

Genmitsu-ni (adverb) + Tadashiku nai (negative adjective).

1

論文を書くときは、厳密な論理が求められます。

When writing a thesis, rigorous logic is required.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Ronri (noun).

2

会社は個人情報の厳密な管理を約束した。

The company promised rigorous management of personal information.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Kanri (noun).

3

厳密に比較すると、二つのプランには大きな違いがある。

When compared rigorously, there is a big difference between the two plans.

Genmitsu-ni (adverb) + Hikaku (verb).

4

このプロジェクトには厳密なスケジュールが必要です。

This project needs a rigorous schedule.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Schedule (noun).

5

厳密な意味で、これは「発明」とは呼べない。

In a strict sense, this cannot be called an 'invention.'

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Imi (noun).

6

そのデータは厳密な調査に基づいている。

The data is based on a rigorous investigation.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Chousa (noun).

7

厳密に言えば、期限は昨日の夜でした。

Strictly speaking, the deadline was last night.

Genmitsu-ni (adverb) + Ieba (conditional verb).

8

彼は仕事に対して非常に厳密な姿勢を持っている。

He has a very rigorous attitude toward his work.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Shisei (noun).

1

法律の厳密な適用が社会の秩序を守る。

The strict application of the law protects social order.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Tekiyou (noun).

2

この数学の証明は厳密さに欠けている。

This mathematical proof lacks rigor.

Genmitsu-sa (noun) + Kakeru (verb).

3

厳密な定義なしに議論を続けるのは無意味だ。

It is meaningless to continue the discussion without a strict definition.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Teigi (noun).

4

その化学物質は厳密な環境下で保管されるべきだ。

That chemical substance should be stored under rigorous environmental conditions.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Kankyou (noun).

5

厳密に検証した結果、その説は否定された。

As a result of rigorous verification, that theory was disproved.

Genmitsu-ni (adverb) + Kenshou (verb).

6

厳密な予算管理がプロジェクトの成功の鍵だ。

Rigorous budget management is the key to project success.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Yosan Kanri (noun).

7

厳密な意味でのプロフェッショナルとは何か。

What is a professional in the strict sense of the word?

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Imi (noun).

8

彼は厳密な手順に従って作業を進めた。

He proceeded with the work according to rigorous procedures.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Tejun (noun).

1

現代物理学において、厳密な測定は不可欠である。

In modern physics, rigorous measurement is indispensable.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Sokutei (noun).

2

その契約書には厳密な守秘義務が含まれている。

That contract includes a strict confidentiality obligation.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Shuhi Gimu (noun).

3

厳密に言えば、この現象は量子力学で説明される。

Strictly speaking, this phenomenon is explained by quantum mechanics.

Genmitsu-ni (adverb) + Ieba (conditional verb).

4

厳密な歴史的考証を経て、その事実は確認された。

After rigorous historical verification, that fact was confirmed.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Rekishiteki Koushou (noun).

5

政府は移民法を厳密に運用する方針を示した。

The government indicated a policy to strictly implement immigration law.

Genmitsu-ni (adverb) + Unyou (verb).

6

厳密な論理構成が、彼の演説に説得力を与えた。

Rigorous logical structure gave his speech persuasiveness.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Ronri Kousei (noun).

7

品質管理部門は厳密な基準を設けている。

The quality control department has established rigorous standards.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Kijun (noun).

8

その決定は、厳密な手続きを経て下されたものだ。

That decision was made after going through rigorous procedures.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Tetsuduki (noun).

1

言語の厳密な分析を通じて、文化の深層を探る。

Through the rigorous analysis of language, we explore the depths of culture.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Bunseki (noun).

2

厳密に規定された枠組みの中で、独創性を発揮する。

Exerting originality within a strictly defined framework.

Genmitsu-ni (adverb) + Kitei (verb).

3

その学説は、厳密な意味においての真理ではない。

That theory is not truth in the strict sense of the word.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Imi (noun).

4

厳密な整合性が求められるプログラムのコード。

Program code that requires rigorous consistency.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Seigousei (noun).

5

厳密な因果関係を特定するのは容易ではない。

Identifying a rigorous causal relationship is not easy.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Inga Kankei (noun).

6

厳密な考証を欠いた記述は、信頼性に欠ける。

Descriptions lacking rigorous verification lack credibility.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Koushou (noun).

7

裁判においては、証拠の厳密な評価が不可避である。

In trials, the rigorous evaluation of evidence is unavoidable.

Genmitsu-na (adjective) + Hyouka (noun).

8

厳密に言えば、この二つの概念は峻別されるべきだ。

Strictly speaking, these two concepts should be sharply distinguished.

Genmitsu-ni (adverb) + Ieba (conditional).

Common Collocations

厳密な調査
厳密な定義
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Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

严格 Chinese
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