sēnyán

森严

Word · AdjectiveTraditional森嚴

solemn and dignified; strictly guarded

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

2 senses · 7 examples
1.

adjective

solemn and dignified; awe-inspiring in orderliness

formal

Describes an atmosphere, appearance, or arrangement that is imposing, orderly, and commands respect. Often used for solemn occasions, buildings, or facial expressions.

Dà大
diàn殿
nèi内
qì气
fēn氛
sēn森
yán严
 ,
ràng让
rén人
bù不
gǎn敢
dà大
shēng声
shuō说
huà话
 。

The atmosphere inside the great hall was solemn and imposing, making people afraid to speak loudly.

Jiāng将
jūn军
biǎo表
qíng情
sēn森
yán严
de地
shěn审
shì视
zhe着
jūn军
shì事
dì地
tú图
 。

The general examined the military map with a stern and dignified expression.

Show 1 more example
Zhè这
zuò座
gōng宫
diàn殿
jiàn建
zhù筑
bù布
jú局
sēn森
yán严
 ,
xiǎn显
shì示
chū出
jí极
gāo高
de的
huáng皇
jiā家
guī规
zhì制
 。

The layout of this palace complex is strictly ordered and imposing, displaying extremely high standards of imperial design.

2.

adjective

strictly guarded; tightly secured; rigorous (of defense or precautions)

Specifically refers to defenses, security measures, or hierarchical barriers that are tight, rigorous, and difficult to penetrate. Commonly appears in set phrases such as 壁垒森严 and 戒备森严.

Liǎng两
guó国
zhī之
jiān间
de的
mào贸
yì易
bì壁
lěi垒
sēn森
yán严
 ,
nán难
yǐ以
tū突
pò破
 。

The trade barriers between the two countries are strictly maintained and difficult to break through.

Zǒng总
tǒng统
fǔ府
jiè戒
bèi备
sēn森
yán严
 ,
dào到
chù处
dōu都
shì是
wǔ武
zhuāng装
jǐng警
wèi卫
 。

The presidential palace is heavily guarded, with armed security personnel everywhere.

Show 2 more examples
Zhè这
zuò座
zhōng中
shì世
jì纪
gǔ古
bǎo堡
mén门
jìn禁
sēn森
yán严
 ,
wài外
rén人
bù不
dé得
rù入
nèi内
 。

This medieval castle has strictly controlled access, and outsiders are not permitted to enter.

Jiān监
yù狱
de的
kān看
shǒu守
sēn森
yán严
 ,
méi没
yǒu有
rén人
néng能
táo逃
de得
chū出
qù去
 。

The prison is under strict guard; no one can escape.