Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Strict" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "strict", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
厳格
げんかく (genkaku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
峻厳
しゅんげん (shungen)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "strict" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 厳格 and 峻厳.
In Japanese, 厳格 (げんかく (genkaku)) is typically associated with "strict, severe, rigid, rigorous" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Often used to describe rules, standards, or people's attitudes/personalities that are very firm and allow no deviation. 規則や態度が非常に厳しく、少しの違反も許さない様子を表す。.
On the other hand, 峻厳 (しゅんげん (shungen)) maps to "strict, severe, austere, rigorous" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Describes something. A literal translation of "strict" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "厳格"
彼の先生は時間にとても厳格だ。
His teacher is very strict about time.
Bilingual Context for "峻厳"
その学校の校風は、質実剛健で峻厳であった。
The school's ethos was simple and sturdy, and rigorously strict.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の先生は時間にとても ＿＿＿ だ。" (Meaning: "His teacher is very strict about time.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "厳格" fits here because it means "strict, severe, rigid, rigorous" in the context of: "His teacher is very strict about time.". "峻厳" represents "strict, severe, austere, rigorous".