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March 24, 2026
严峻(嚴峻)yánjùn(yan2jun4)
严峻 (yánjùn) describes a situation or attitude that is strict, severe, or harsh. It can be used to refer to both physical conditions, such as severe weather, and metaphorical situations, like a stern teacher's demeanor. This word often conveys a sense of seriousness that requires careful attention.
Frequency#12044DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 严峻 often reflects societal values that emphasize discipline and rigor, particularly in education and professional environments. It can relate to the traditional respect for authority and the importance of hard work.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strict teacher (严) standing on a mountain peak (峻) looking down at students, demanding their utmost focus. The character 严 (yán) suggests strictness, while 峻 (jùn) evokes the steepness of the mountain, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Meanings of 严峻
yánjùn(yan2jun4)
1grim
2severe
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 严峻
严峻Simplified
嚴峻Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#12044Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 严峻
Podcast: 严峻
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AI Study Notes for 严峻
Quick Contrast
严厉 (yánlì) vs 严峻 (yánjùn): Use 严厉 for strictness in behavior or discipline, while 严峻 emphasizes harshness in conditions or attitudes.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a strict teacher (严) standing on a mountain peak (峻) looking down at students, demanding their utmost focus. The character 严 (yán) suggests strictness, while 峻 (jùn) evokes the steepness of the mountain, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when using 严峻, as it can imply a harshness that might not be appropriate in all contexts. Common collocations include 严峻的形势 (severe situation) or 严峻的考验 (rigorous test). Avoid using it in overly casual conversations.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 严峻 is useful for discussing serious topics, especially in academic or professional settings. Students should focus on its application in contexts that require a strong description of severity or rigor, enhancing vocabulary for debates or formal writing.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 严峻 often reflects societal values that emphasize discipline and rigor, particularly in education and professional environments. It can relate to the traditional respect for authority and the importance of hard work.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 严峻 with 严厉 (yánlì), which specifically means strict or stern but does not carry the same connotation of severity. For example, saying '他是一个严峻的人' is correct, while '他是一个严厉的山' (He is a strict mountain) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 严峻
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Grammar Patterns of 严峻
严峻 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 3 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
我有限的外交手腕儿受到了极其____的考验。
My limited diplomatic skills were tested to the utmost.
Example Sentences for 严峻 (4)
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1
我有限的外交手腕儿受到了极其严峻的考验。
wǒ yǒu xiàn de wài jiāo shǒu wàn ér shòu dào le jí qí yán jùn de kǎo yàn。
My limited diplomatic skills were tested to the utmost.
UK companies face a stark choice if they want to stay competitive.
3
她对他的爱经受着极其严峻的考验。
tā duì tā de ài jīng shòu zháo jí qí yán jùn de kǎo yàn。
Her love for him was being tested to its limits.
4
烟草业成功逃过了最严峻的法律质疑。
yān cǎo yè chéng gōng táo guò le zuì yán jùn de fǎ lǜ zhì yí。
The tobacco industry escaped unscathed from its toughest legal challenge.
Cultural Notes for 严峻
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 严峻 often reflects societal values that emphasize discipline and rigor, particularly in education and professional environments. It can relate to the traditional respect for authority and the importance of hard work.
Frequently Asked Questions about 严峻
Yes, you can describe a person as 严峻 when they have a severe or stern personality.
Synonyms include 严厉 (yánlì, strict) and 严酷 (yánkù, harsh).
While it is often found in formal contexts, it can also be used informally to emphasize a serious issue.
