厳格

• Reading: げんかく
• Romaji: genkaku
• Kanji breakdown: 厳 (gen) — strict, solemn; 格 (kaku) — standard, status, rank
• Pronunciation: /ɡe.ɴ.ka.kɯ/

Meaning

Strict; severe; stern. Describes a person or system that enforces rules rigidly and allows no leniency.

A na-adjective and noun describing an uncompromising attitude towards rules, discipline, or standards. Used for people (厳格な父 — a strict father), institutions (厳格な審査 — rigorous screening), and systems. While similar to 厳しい (strict), 厳格 emphasises systematic inflexibility and moral authority rather than mere harshness. Often collocates with 規則 (rules), 教育 (education), and 態度 (attitude).

Examples

1. 父は厳格な人で門限には絶対に遅れてはいけなかった。 My father was a strict man — coming home after curfew was absolutely not allowed.
2. この学校は校則が厳格なことで知られている。 This school is known for having rigid rules.
3. 品質管理において厳格な基準を設けている。 We maintain strict standards in our quality control.

Usage Guide

Context: education, family, business, regulations

Tone: authoritative

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 厳 (gen, strict/solemn) + 格 (kaku, standard/status). Literally 'strict standard,' combining the gravity of 厳 with the sense of established norms in 格.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal