Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "厳しい", "厳格", "峻別", "厳格な"
All represent the core concept "strict", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
厳しい
きびしい (kibishii)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
厳格
げんかく (genkaku)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
峻別
しゅんべつ (shunbetsu)
N1 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
厳格な
げんかくな (genkakuna)
B2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "strict" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "厳しい", "厳格", "峻別", "厳格な" based on context.
- 厳しい (きびしい (kibishii) - Level: N4): Maps to "strict; severe; harsh" and is used when An い-adjective describing strictness in rules, people.
- 厳格 (げんかく (genkaku) - Level: N2): Maps to "strict, severe, rigid, rigorous" and is used when 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。.
- 峻別 (しゅんべつ (shunbetsu) - Level: N1): Maps to "strict distinction, clear differentiation, sharp demarcation" and is used when Emphasizes making a very clear and unambiguous distinction between two or more things, often to avoid confusion or maintain standards. 厳しく区別すること、明確に分類することを指す。.
- 厳格な (げんかくな (genkakuna) - Level: B2): Maps to "strict, severe" and is used when Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus..
Context for "厳しい"
私の先生はとても厳しいです。
My teacher is very strict.
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.
Context for "峻別"
善悪の峻別は、教育の重要な側面である。
Making a clear distinction between good and evil is an important aspect of education.
Context for "厳格な"
これはとても厳格なですね。
This is very strict, severe, isn't it?
Synonym Mastery Challenge
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" is correct here because it represents "strict; severe; harsh" in the context: "My teacher is very strict.".