Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "厳しい", "厳重な", "厳格", "峻厳"
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
厳重な
げんじゅうな (genjūna)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
厳格
げんかく (genkaku)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
峻厳
しゅんげん (shungen)
N1 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "strict" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "厳しい", "厳重な", "厳格", "峻厳" 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.
- 厳重な (げんじゅうな (genjūna) - Level: N3): Maps to "strict, rigorous, severe, tight (security)" and is used when Describes something that is very strict, severe, or tightly controlled, often related to security, rules, or warnings. It's a な-adjective. 「厳重に警戒する.
- 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。.
- 峻厳 (しゅんげん (shungen) - Level: N1): Maps to "strict, severe, austere, rigorous" and is used when Describes something.
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 "厳重な"
その建物は厳重な警備で守られている。
That building is protected by strict security.
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.
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.".