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| 严肃 [2025/08/10 13:21] – created xiaoer | 严肃 [Unknown date] (current) – removed - external edit (Unknown date) 127.0.0.1 |
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| ====== yánsù: 严肃 - Serious, Stern, Solemn ====== | |
| ===== Quick Summary ===== | |
| * **Keywords:** yansu, yánsù, 严肃, what does yansu mean, Chinese for serious, Chinese for stern, solemn in Chinese, formal Chinese, 严肃 vs 认真, 严肃 vs 严重, Chinese culture serious | |
| * **Summary:** Learn the meaning of **严肃 (yánsù)**, a crucial Chinese term for "serious," "stern," or "solemn." This page breaks down how **yánsù** describes not just a person's unsmiling demeanor, but also the gravity of a situation, the formality of an event, and the cultural importance of showing respect. Discover the key differences between **严肃 (yánsù)**, **认真 (rènzhēn)**, and **严重 (yánzhòng)** to avoid common mistakes and use the word like a native speaker. | |
| ===== Core Meaning ===== | |
| * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** yánsù | |
| * **Part of Speech:** Adjective | |
| * **HSK Level:** HSK 4 | |
| * **Concise Definition:** Describing a person, situation, or atmosphere as serious, stern, solemn, or strict. | |
| * **In a Nutshell:** `严肃` describes a state devoid of playfulness or casualness. When applied to a person, it means they are stern and not smiling, often because of their position or the gravity of the moment. When applied to a situation or topic, it means it is important and requires focus and respect. Think of the look on a judge's face in a courtroom or the atmosphere at a national memorial—that's `严肃`. | |
| ===== Character Breakdown ===== | |
| * **严 (yán):** This character means "strict," "stern," or "tight." It's the same character in `严格 (yángé)`, meaning "strict" or "rigorous." It sets the tone of severity and high standards. | |
| * **肃 (sù):** This character means "solemn," "respectful," or "to eliminate." It evokes a feeling of awe and quiet respect, as seen in `肃静 (sùjìng)`, "to be silent." | |
| These two characters combine perfectly. `严` brings the sense of strictness and lack of leniency, while `肃` adds the layer of solemnity and respectful gravity. Together, they create `严肃`, a word that captures both a stern demeanor and a solemn atmosphere. | |
| ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== | |
| In Chinese culture, being `严肃` is not inherently negative; it is often a sign of respect and propriety. In contexts where hierarchy and formality are important—such as in the classroom, in government, or when dealing with elders—a `严肃` attitude is expected and valued. It shows that you understand the importance of the situation and are taking your role and responsibilities seriously. | |
| A useful comparison is with the Western (particularly American) ideal of being "approachable" or "personable." A Western manager might try to be friendly and joke with their employees to foster a flat, collaborative environment. In a more traditional Chinese context, a manager might maintain a `严肃` demeanor to project authority and ensure that tasks are handled with the necessary gravity. This isn't about being unkind; it's about upholding the proper order and showing respect for the work itself. A teacher being `严肃` is seen as a mark of a dedicated professional, not a "killjoy." | |
| ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== | |
| `严肃` is a common word used in various formal and semi-formal contexts. | |
| * **Describing People:** Used to describe someone's personality or temporary expression. A person who is `严肃` rarely jokes and maintains a straight face. This can be neutral ("He's a serious person") or slightly negative if they are perceived as intimidating or unapproachable. | |
| * `他是个很**严肃**的人，不苟言笑。` (Tā shì ge hěn yánsù de rén, bù gǒu yán xiào.) - He is a very stern person who doesn't smile or joke easily. | |
| * **Describing Topics & Issues:** When a topic is `严肃`, it means it's a "serious matter" that is not to be taken lightly. | |
| * `这是一个非常**严肃**的问题，我们需要认真讨论。` (Zhè shì yí ge fēicháng yánsù de wèntí, wǒmen xūyào rènzhēn tǎolùn.) - This is a very serious issue; we need to discuss it conscientiously. | |
| * **Describing Atmosphere:** Used for the mood of a place or event. Funerals, important meetings, and court proceedings all have a `严肃` atmosphere (`气氛 yánsù`). | |
| * `会场的气氛十分**严肃**。` (Huìchǎng de qìfēn shífēn yánsù.) - The atmosphere at the conference hall was extremely solemn. | |
| * **As a Verb/Command:** Sometimes used to tell someone to be serious. | |
| * `**严肃**点儿！现在不是开玩笑的时候。` (Yánsù diǎnr! Xiànzài búshì kāiwánxiào de shíhou.) - Be serious! Now is not the time for joking. | |
| ===== Example Sentences ===== | |
| * **Example 1:** | |
| * 我爸爸平时很和蔼，但谈到我的学习时就变得很**严肃**。 | |
| * Pinyin: Wǒ bàba píngshí hěn hé'ǎi, dàn tándào wǒ de xuéxí shí jiù biànde hěn **yánsù**. | |
| * English: My dad is usually very kind, but when it comes to my studies, he becomes very stern. | |
| * Analysis: This shows how `严肃` can be a temporary state, adopted for a specific, important topic. | |
| * **Example 2:** | |
| * 他脸上带着**严肃**的表情，我们谁也不敢说话。 | |
| * Pinyin: Tā liǎn shàng dàizhe **yánsù** de biǎoqíng, wǒmen shéi yě bù gǎn shuōhuà. | |
| * English: He had a serious expression on his face, so none of us dared to speak. | |
| * Analysis: Here, `严肃` describes a facial expression that communicates authority or displeasure, effectively silencing others. | |
| * **Example 3:** | |
| * 这不是一个玩笑，我是在很**严肃**地跟你谈话。 | |
| * Pinyin: Zhè búshì yí ge wánxiào, wǒ shì zài hěn **yánsù** de gēn nǐ tánhuà. | |
| * English: This isn't a joke; I am talking to you very seriously. | |
| * Analysis: Note the use of `严肃地` (yánsù de), which turns the adjective into an adverb, modifying the verb "to talk." | |
| * **Example 4:** | |
| * 在法庭上，所有人都必须保持**严肃**。 | |
| * Pinyin: Zài fǎtíng shàng, suǒyǒu rén dōu bìxū bǎochí **yánsù**. | |
| * English: In a courtroom, everyone must remain solemn. | |
| * Analysis: This highlights the use of `严肃` to describe a required code of conduct in a formal setting. | |
| * **Example 5:** | |
| * 对于这个**严肃**的话题，大家都有不同的看法。 | |
| * Pinyin: Duìyú zhège **yánsù** de huàtí, dàjiā dōu yǒu bùtóng de kànfǎ. | |
| * English: Everyone has different views on this serious topic. | |
| * Analysis: `严肃的话题` (yánsù de huàtí) is a common phrase for subjects like politics, morality, or major life decisions. | |
| * **Example 6:** | |
| * 公司将**严肃**处理这次的违规事件。 | |
| * Pinyin: Gōngsī jiāng **yánsù** chǔlǐ zhè cì de wéiguī shìjiàn. | |
| * English: The company will handle this violation incident seriously (strictly). | |
| * Analysis: In a business or legal context, `严肃处理` (yánsù chǔlǐ) means to handle something strictly and without leniency. | |
| * **Example 7:** | |
| * 老师的语气很**严肃**，我们立刻安静了下来。 | |
| * Pinyin: Lǎoshī de yǔqì hěn **yánsù**, wǒmen lìkè ānjìng le xiàlái. | |
| * English: The teacher's tone was very stern, and we immediately quieted down. | |
| * Analysis: `严肃` can describe a tone of voice (`语气 yǔqì`), not just a facial expression. | |
| * **Example 8:** | |
| * 他看起来很**严肃**，但实际上是个热心肠。 | |
| * Pinyin: Tā kànqǐlái hěn **yánsù**, dàn shíjìshang shì ge rèxīncháng. | |
| * English: He looks very stern, but he's actually a warm-hearted person. | |
| * Analysis: This example shows the common contrast between a `严肃` appearance and a person's inner nature. | |
| * **Example 9:** | |
| * 我们必须**严肃**对待环保问题。 | |
| * Pinyin: Wǒmen bìxū **yánsù** duìdài huánbǎo wèntí. | |
| * English: We must treat the issue of environmental protection seriously. | |
| * Analysis: `严肃对待` (yánsù duìdài) means "to treat seriously" or "to take seriously," emphasizing the importance and gravity of the issue. | |
| * **Example 10:** | |
| * 在纪念碑前，游客们都神情**严肃**，默默哀悼。 | |
| * Pinyin: Zài jìniànbēi qián, yóukèmen dōu shénqíng **yánsù**, mòmò āidào. | |
| * English: In front of the monument, the tourists all had solemn expressions and mourned in silence. | |
| * Analysis: This perfectly captures the "solemn" aspect of `严肃`, linked to respect, remembrance, and gravity. | |
| ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== | |
| The most common mistakes for learners involve confusing `严肃` with two other "serious" words: `认真 (rènzhēn)` and `严重 (yánzhòng)`. | |
| * **`严肃 (yánsù)` vs. `认真 (rènzhēn)`** | |
| * `严肃` is about **demeanor and atmosphere** (stern, solemn, not joking). It's external. | |
| * `认真 (rènzhēn)` is about **attitude and conscientiousness** (earnest, taking something seriously, diligent). It's internal. | |
| * **Example:** A teacher is `严肃` (stern) in class to maintain order. A student studies `认真` (diligently) to get good grades. You can't say the student studies `严肃`. | |
| * **Incorrect:** 他工作很**严肃**。 (Tā gōngzuò hěn yánsù.) | |
| * **Correct:** 他工作很**认真**。 (Tā gōngzuò hěn rènzhēn.) - He works very conscientiously. | |
| * **`严肃 (yánsù)` vs. `严重 (yánzhòng)`** | |
| * `严肃` is about demeanor or the **formal nature** of a topic/situation. | |
| * `严重 (yánzhòng)` is about the **severity or gravity of a negative situation**, like an illness, an accident, or a problem. | |
| * **Example:** A doctor discusses a `严重` (severe) illness with a `严肃` (serious) expression. | |
| * **Incorrect:** 他的病很**严肃**。 (Tā de bìng hěn yánsù.) | |
| * **Correct:** 他的病很**严重**。 (Tā de bìng hěn yánzhòng.) - His illness is very serious. | |
| ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== | |
| * [[认真]] (rènzhēn) - A key distinction. Means "conscientious" or "earnest," describing a positive attitude towards a task, not a stern demeanor. | |
| * [[严重]] (yánzhòng) - Another key distinction. Means "serious" in the sense of severity, used for problems, illnesses, or damage. | |
| * [[严格]] (yángé) - A close relative. Means "strict" or "rigorous," usually referring to rules, standards, or people who enforce them. A `严肃` teacher is often also `严格`. | |
| * [[庄重]] (zhuāngzhòng) - A synonym for the "solemn" aspect of `严肃`. It means "dignified," "stately," or "solemn," often used to describe clothing or behavior at a formal ceremony. | |
| * [[沉重]] (chénzhòng) - Related. Means "heavy" or "weighty." It can describe a mood (`心情沉重` - a heavy heart) or a burden, sharing the sense of gravity with `严肃`. | |
| * [[不苟言笑]] (bù gǒu yán xiào) - An idiom (chengyu) that literally means "does not casually talk or laugh." It's a perfect description of a person who is habitually `严肃`. | |
| * [[肃静]] (sùjìng) - A command for "silence" or "quiet," often used in formal settings like libraries or courtrooms. It shares the character `肃` and the feeling of solemn respect. | |