Use 严肃 to describe situations or attitudes that are serious, solemn, and require careful attention.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Serious, solemn, or grave demeanor.
- Used for people, atmosphere, or important matters.
- Implies a lack of casualness; requires respect.
嬉笑
严肃 (yánsù) 是一个形容词，用来描述人、表情、气氛、场合或态度。它表示一种认真、庄重、不随便、不嬉笑的态度或状态。当形容人时，意味着这个人通常不苟言笑，给人一种可靠、有原则的感觉。当形容气氛或场合时，则表示该情境需要人们保持谨慎、尊重和认真。
肃穆
The character 严 (yán) originally depicted a high wall, symbolizing strictness and severity. The character 肃 (sù) depicts a hand holding a feather whisk, used in ancient ceremonies to signify respect and solemnity. Together, 严肃 paints a picture of strictness and solemnity, hence its meaning of seriousness.
Imagine a very serious person (严 - strict) who always speaks solemnly (肃 - solemn). This person never jokes around, maintaining a '严肃' demeanor.
The word '严肃' (yánsù) conveys a sense of gravity and lack of levity. It's important to use it appropriately to avoid sounding overly stiff or unfriendly. While it signifies seriousness, it doesn't necessarily imply negativity, but rather a need for respect or careful consideration. Context is key to understanding its precise nuance.
a serious atmosphere
严肃通常用来形容：1. 人的表情或态度：他脸上带着严肃的表情。2. 场合或气氛：会议的气氛很严肃。3. 事情的性质：这是一个严肃的问题。4. 说话的语气：他用严肃的语气警告大家。它也可以作为动词使用，表示“当真”、“不马虎”，例如“请严肃对待这个问题”。
严肃常出现在以下语境中：1. 工作和学习场合：如会议、考试、重要谈话等。2. 讨论重要或敏感话题时：如关于国家安全、个人隐私、法律责任等。3. 表达不满或警告时：如父母对孩子犯错的批评，或上级对下属的批评。4. 描述艺术作品或表演的风格：如严肃音乐、严肃戏剧。
A common mistake is overusing '严肃' in casual social settings, which might make one appear unapproachable. Conversely, failing to use '严肃' when a situation demands it (like a serious discussion about safety) can lead to misunderstandings. It's also sometimes confused with being angry, though '严肃' primarily denotes seriousness, not necessarily anger.
In Chinese culture, maintaining a '严肃' attitude in certain situations, like formal meetings, discussions with elders, or during important ceremonies, is often seen as a sign of respect and maturity. It reflects an understanding of social hierarchy and the importance of the occasion.
严肃 + 地 + 动词 (e.g., 严肃地对待)
形容词 + 的 + 名词 (e.g., 严肃的气氛)
主语 + 很 + 严肃 (e.g., 他的表情很严肃)
与“严肃”相似的词语包括“认真”、“庄重”、“郑重”。“认真”更侧重于做事仔细、不马虎，强调投入和专注。例如，“他做事很认真”。“庄重”则侧重于外在表现出的严肃、肃穆，常用于形容仪式、服装或场合，带有一定的仪式感。例如，“他穿着庄重的礼服”。“郑重”则强调态度上的极其认真和慎重，尤其是在承诺、声明或处理重要事务时。例如，“他郑重地向我道歉”。“严肃”则更广泛，可以指态度、表情、气氛或事情本身的重要性，强调不轻松、不随意。
Examples
他脸上一直保持着严肃的表情，让人猜不透他在想什么。
everydayHe maintained a serious expression on his face, making it impossible for others to guess what he was thinking.
在处理国家安全问题上，我们必须采取严肃认真的态度。
formalWhen dealing with national security issues, we must adopt a serious and earnest attitude.
别开玩笑了，这事很严肃，需要认真对待。
informalStop joking around, this matter is serious and needs to be taken seriously.
该研究报告对当前气候变化问题进行了严肃的审视。
academicThis research report conducted a serious examination of the current climate change issues.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
严肃对待
to treat seriously
严肃的表情
a serious expression
严肃的气氛
a serious atmosphere
Often Confused With
'严肃' often implies a gravity or solemnity in demeanor or situation, sometimes suggesting a lack of humor. '认真' focuses more on being meticulous, diligent, and careful in one's actions or work.
'庄重' emphasizes a dignified, solemn, and often formal manner, frequently used for ceremonies, attire, or occasions. '严肃' is broader and can apply to expressions, atmosphere, or the inherent seriousness of a matter.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '严肃' (yánsù) conveys a sense of gravity and lack of levity. It's important to use it appropriately to avoid sounding overly stiff or unfriendly. While it signifies seriousness, it doesn't necessarily imply negativity, but rather a need for respect or careful consideration. Context is key to understanding its precise nuance.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is overusing '严肃' in casual social settings, which might make one appear unapproachable. Conversely, failing to use '严肃' when a situation demands it (like a serious discussion about safety) can lead to misunderstandings. It's also sometimes confused with being angry, though '严肃' primarily denotes seriousness, not necessarily anger.
Tips
Maintain Appropriate Seriousness
Use '严肃' when the situation calls for solemnity, respect, or careful consideration. Avoid using it in overly casual or lighthearted contexts.
Don't Confuse with Anger
'严肃' means serious or solemn, not necessarily angry. While a serious expression can sometimes look stern, the core meaning is about gravity, not displeasure.
Respectful Demeanor
In many Asian cultures, adopting a '严肃' demeanor during formal occasions or when interacting with elders is a sign of respect and good upbringing.
Word Origin
The character 严 (yán) originally depicted a high wall, symbolizing strictness and severity. The character 肃 (sù) depicts a hand holding a feather whisk, used in ancient ceremonies to signify respect and solemnity. Together, 严肃 paints a picture of strictness and solemnity, hence its meaning of seriousness.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, maintaining a '严肃' attitude in certain situations, like formal meetings, discussions with elders, or during important ceremonies, is often seen as a sign of respect and maturity. It reflects an understanding of social hierarchy and the importance of the occasion.
Memory Tip
Imagine a very serious person (严 - strict) who always speaks solemnly (肃 - solemn). This person never jokes around, maintaining a '严肃' demeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“严肃”更侧重于态度、表情或气氛的不苟言笑和庄重感，有时带有不容置疑的意味。“认真”则更强调做事时的投入、仔细和不马虎，是积极的行动状态。
通常在正式场合，如会议、重要谈话、严肃的讨论，或者形容不轻松、需要认真对待的事情和气氛时使用。
可以。形容人时，指其态度、表情或性格比较稳重、不轻易开玩笑，给人一种可靠或不易接近的感觉。
不一定。虽然它表示不轻松，但在很多情况下，如对待工作、学习或重要问题时，“严肃”是一种恰当且必要的态度，表示尊重和重视。
Test Yourself
在讨论如此重要的问题时，我们必须保持______的态度。
此处描述的是讨论重要问题时应有的态度，需要认真和庄重，因此“严肃”最合适。
他听到这个消息后，脸色变得十分严肃。
这句话描述的是听到坏消息后的反应，表情“严肃”意味着不轻松、凝重和认真。
请选择最符合逻辑的句子：
这句话准确地描绘了一个不轻松、需要认真对待的场合（会议），符合“严肃”的用法。
Score: /3
Summary
Use 严肃 to describe situations or attitudes that are serious, solemn, and require careful attention.
- Serious, solemn, or grave demeanor.
- Used for people, atmosphere, or important matters.
- Implies a lack of casualness; requires respect.
Maintain Appropriate Seriousness
Use '严肃' when the situation calls for solemnity, respect, or careful consideration. Avoid using it in overly casual or lighthearted contexts.
Don't Confuse with Anger
'严肃' means serious or solemn, not necessarily angry. While a serious expression can sometimes look stern, the core meaning is about gravity, not displeasure.
Respectful Demeanor
In many Asian cultures, adopting a '严肃' demeanor during formal occasions or when interacting with elders is a sign of respect and good upbringing.
Examples
4 of 4他脸上一直保持着严肃的表情，让人猜不透他在想什么。
He maintained a serious expression on his face, making it impossible for others to guess what he was thinking.
在处理国家安全问题上，我们必须采取严肃认真的态度。
When dealing with national security issues, we must adopt a serious and earnest attitude.
别开玩笑了，这事很严肃，需要认真对待。
Stop joking around, this matter is serious and needs to be taken seriously.
该研究报告对当前气候变化问题进行了严肃的审视。
This research report conducted a serious examination of the current climate change issues.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
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