Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "厳しい", "厳正", "厳重", "厳格"
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
厳重
げんじゅう (genjū)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
厳格
げんかく (genkaku)
N2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "strict" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "厳しい", "厳正", "厳重", "厳格" 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'.
- 厳重 (げんじゅう (genjū) - Level: N2): Maps to "strict; severe; rigorous; stringent; tight (security)" and is used when Emphasizes thoroughness and strictness, often concerning security measures, warnings, or precautions to prevent negative outcomes. Implies a high level of caution and control..
- 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。.
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 "厳重"
個人情報は厳重に管理されているため、ご安心ください。
Personal information is managed under strict security, so please be assured.
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.
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.".