Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Strict" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "strict", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
厳しい
きびしい (kibishii)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
厳正
げんせい (gensei)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "strict" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 厳しい and 厳正.
In Japanese, 厳しい (きびしい (kibishii)) is typically associated with "strict; severe; harsh" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents An い-adjective describing strictness in rules, people.
On the other hand, 厳正 (げんせい (gensei)) maps to "strict, impartial, rigorous, fair" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies fairness and adherence to rules without bias, often used in official or legal contexts, like '厳正な審査'. A literal translation of "strict" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "厳しい"
私の先生はとても厳しいです。
My teacher is very strict.
Bilingual Context for "厳正"
その問題は厳正に調査されるべきだ。
That issue should be rigorously investigated.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私の先生はとても ＿＿＿ です。" (Meaning: "My teacher is very strict.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "厳しい" fits here because it means "strict; severe; harsh" in the context of: "My teacher is very strict.". "厳正" represents "strict, impartial, rigorous, fair".