Grammar Point:
The words 严格 yángé, 严肃 yánsù, and 严重 yánzhòng all relate to the idea of “strictness” or “seriousness,” but they have different meanings and usage contexts.
严格 yángé – Strict, Rigorous
Emphasizes strictness in rules, standards, or requirements. It is often used to describe regulations, discipline, or people’s approach to rules.
他對自己的要求非常嚴格他对自己的要求非常严格
He has strict standards for himself.
老師總是很嚴格地檢查我的作業老师总是很严格地检查我的作业
The teacher always checks my homework very strictly.
公司對產品質量實施嚴格控制公司对产品质量实施严格控制
The company enforces strict control over product quality.
严肃 yánsù – Serious (attitude or atmosphere)
Describes a serious, solemn attitude, atmosphere, or personality. It can refer to someone’s expression, a formal occasion, or a discussion.
老師嚴肅地看著我,害我不敢說話老师严肃地看着我,害我不敢说话
The teacher looked at me seriously, making me afraid to speak.
我爸爸是一位非常嚴肅的人,我幾乎沒看過他笑我爸爸是一位非常严肃的人,我几乎没看过他笑
My dad is a very serious person; I’ve hardly ever seen him smile.
會議上老闆的態度很嚴肅,沒有人敢開玩笑会议上老板的态度很严肃,没有人敢开玩笑
The leader had a serious attitude in the meeting, and no one dared to joke.
严重 yánzhòng – Severe, Grave
Describes the severity of a situation, problem, or consequence. It is often used for negative things like illnesses, mistakes, or accidents.
這是一個很嚴重的問題,你應該趕快處理这是一个很严重的问题,你应该赶快处理
This is a very serious problem; you should handle it as soon as possible.
這幾年空氣污染的情況越来越嚴重了这几年空气污染的情况越来越严重了
The air pollution situation has become increasingly severe over the past few years.
他的傷很嚴重,需要馬上送醫院他的伤很严重,需要马上送医院
His injury is severe and needs to be taken to the hospital immediately.