jim4嚴严

Jyutpingjim4

Yaleyìhm

語素Uncommon

Definition

Severe, harsh, or high-intensity; of a fierce or extreme degree.

neutraldescriptions

How it's used

Functions primarily as a bound morpheme in compound words to indicate a high degree of intensity or severity. It is rarely used as a standalone adjective in spoken Cantonese, where native speakers would prefer 嚴格 or 嚴厲 instead. When describing strictness, it often pairs with verbs like 管教 or 執行 to emphasize the uncompromising nature of the action.

Examples

keoi5佢deoi3對zai2仔neoi2女gun2管gaau3教dak1得hou2好jim4嚴。

She is very strict with her children's upbringing.

ji1依gaa1家tin1天hei3氣jim4嚴hon4寒，gei3記dak1得zoek6着do1多gin2件saam1衫。

The weather is severely cold now, remember to wear an extra layer.

Common phrases

jim4嚴gaak3格jiu1要kau4求

strict requirements

jim4嚴suk1肅cyu2處lei5理

handle seriously

Common mistake

Learners often try to use it alone to mean strict, but it sounds incomplete in most sentence structures. Always attach it to another character to form a compound, such as 嚴格 for rules or 嚴肅 for atmosphere.