严肃 (yán sù) — (adjective) serious; solemn; grave; (verb) to strictly enforce; to take seriously (rules, discipline, law)
Definition
Describes a serious, solemn tone, expression, or atmosphere. Stronger and more formal than 认真 ('conscientious' about doing a task); pairs with people and issues, not personal effort. 严重 means 'severe' for problems or illness, not for tone.
adjective
serioussolemngrave
verb
to strictly enforceto take seriously (rules, discipline, law)
Examples
- 严肃。Tā de biǎo qíng hěn yán sù.His expression is very serious.
- 严肃。Zhè shì yí gè yán sù de wèn tí.This is a serious issue.
- 严肃。Zhèng fǔ bì xū yán sù fǎ lǜ.The government must strictly enforce the law.
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