jim4 zing3嚴正严正
Jyutpingjim4 zing3
Yaleyìhm jing
Definition
Solemn, serious, and principled.
neutraldescriptionscommunication
How it's used
Reserved for formal contexts, this term carries a weight of authority and finality. It is frequently used in official statements or by people in positions of power to signal that they are not joking and that the situation requires immediate, principled action. Unlike standard words for serious, it implies a rigid adherence to rules or moral standards.
Examples
He solemnly rejected the unreasonable request.
Are you going to handle this matter seriously and officially?
Related words
Common phrases
solemn declaration
to handle with strict seriousness
Common mistake
Learners often misuse this in casual settings where a simple word like 認真 would be more appropriate. Using 嚴正 to describe a friend or a minor situation sounds overly dramatic and stiff, as if you are delivering a press release.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
