Definition
森严 describes a stern, strict, or forbidding quality in a system, atmosphere, or security situation. It appears in common collocations like 等级森严 ('strict hierarchy') and 戒备森严 ('tight security'). Unlike 严格 (strict about rules), 森严 emphasizes an imposing, almost intimidating strictness.
v.p.
strictsternforbidding (used to describe atmosphere, hierarchy, security, etc.)
Examples
- 森严。Zhège gōngsī de děngjí sēn yán.This company has a strict hierarchy.
- 森严。Zhěnggè dìqū jièbèi sēn yán.The entire area is under tight security.
- 森严。Fǎtíng shàng de qìfēn sēn yán.The atmosphere in the courtroom was forbidding.
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