Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "厳しい", "厳正", "厳格", "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
厳正
げんせい (gensei)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
厳格
げんかく (genkaku)
N2 / 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", "厳正", "厳格", "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.
- 厳正 (げんせい (gensei) - Level: N2): Maps to "strict, impartial, rigorous, fair" and is used when Implies fairness and adherence to rules without bias, often used in official or legal contexts, like '厳正な審査'.
- 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。.
- 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 "厳正"
その問題は厳正に調査されるべきだ。
That issue should be rigorously investigated.
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 "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.".