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March 24, 2026
严厉(嚴厲)yánlì(yan2li4)
严厉 refers to a strict or severe attitude, often employed in contexts of discipline or authority. It describes a person or approach that is strict in enforcing rules or expectations, and may carry a connotation of being uncompromising or harsh.
Frequency#5772DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 严厉 figures prominently in parenting and education, where strictness is often valued for instilling discipline and respect. This reflects the traditional emphasis on authority and responsibility in familial and academic settings.
Memory Tip
Imagine a stern teacher (严) standing with a ruler (厉) in hand, ready to enforce strict discipline in the classroom. The visual of the ruler emphasizes the idea of strictness and severity, linking the character's components to its meaning.
Meanings of 严厉
yánlì(yan2li4)
1severe
2strict
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 严厉
严厉Simplified
嚴厲Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
副形词xíngróngcíadj-adverb (adj.-adv.)Part of Speech
#5772Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 严厉
Podcast: 严厉
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AI Study Notes for 严厉
Quick Contrast
严格 (yángé) vs 严厉 (yánlì): 选择严格强调对规则的遵守，而严厉则更侧重于态度的严酷性。
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a stern teacher (严) standing with a ruler (厉) in hand, ready to enforce strict discipline in the classroom. The visual of the ruler emphasizes the idea of strictness and severity, linking the character's components to its meaning.
Usage Notes
Learners should be cautious not to confuse 严厉 with less severe terms like 严格 (strict, but not harsh). This word is typically used in formal contexts, such as describing a boss or a parent’s demeanor. Remember that the tone is crucial; ensure you pronounce it correctly as yán lì.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 严厉 connects well with other words describing attitudes and behaviors, like 认真 (serious) or 严格 (strict). Students should focus on using it in contexts involving authority and discipline to enhance their vocabulary for formal discussions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 严厉 figures prominently in parenting and education, where strictness is often valued for instilling discipline and respect. This reflects the traditional emphasis on authority and responsibility in familial and academic settings.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 严厉 with 友好 (friendly), using it inappropriately to describe interactions. For example, saying '老师对我很严厉' (The teacher is friendly to me) is incorrect; it should convey a serious or strict demeanor.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 严厉
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Grammar Patterns of 严厉
严厉 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
If Douglas came down hard enough on him, Dale would rebel.
8
根据希腊严厉的反毒品法律，他们将面临20年监禁。
gēn jù xī là yán lì de fǎn dú pǐn fǎ lǜ， ， tā mén jiāng miàn20 lín 20 nián。
Under Greece's stiff anti-drugs laws they could face twenty years in jail.
9
在全系大会上,法兰克始终维护受到严厉批判的朋友.
zài quán xì dà huì shàng, , fǎ lán kè shǐ zhōng wéi hù shòu dào yán lì pī pàn de péng.
All through the faculty meeting Frank stood up for his friend who was being criticized so severely.
10
他接着严厉地斥责了几位前任领导者。
tā jiē zháo yán lì dì chì zé le jī wèi qián rèn lǐng dǎo zhě。
He then launched a scathing attack on previous leaders.
Cultural Notes for 严厉
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 严厉 figures prominently in parenting and education, where strictness is often valued for instilling discipline and respect. This reflects the traditional emphasis on authority and responsibility in familial and academic settings.
Frequently Asked Questions about 严厉
It's more appropriate to use 严厉 in formal contexts, like describing a teacher or parent, rather than for casual relationships.
While it often implies harshness, it can also indicate a necessary strictness in certain contexts, such as discipline.
Strict (严格) generally means adhering to rules, while severe (严厉) implies a harsher, more unyielding approach.
