suk1 muk6肅穆肃穆
Jyutpingsuk1 muk6
Yalesūk muhk
Definition
Solemn, respectful, and quiet.
neutraldescriptionspeople
How it's used
Reserved for formal or heavy settings, this word describes an atmosphere of quiet reverence or gravity. It is rarely used to describe a person's everyday personality, unlike 嚴肅, which can simply mean someone is strict or serious by nature. Use it when the environment demands silence and respect, such as during a memorial service or a formal ceremony.
Examples
He looked very solemn inside the funeral hall.
Why does everyone look so serious?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 嚴肅, which is a general term for being serious or strict. 肅穆 implies a specific kind of solemnity that includes a sense of stillness and respect, making it inappropriate for describing a stern teacher or a serious business meeting.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
