zong1 jim4莊嚴庄严
Jyutpingzong1 jim4
Yalejōng yìhm
Definition
Solemn, dignified, stately, and serious, showing deep respect towards a matter.
neutraldescriptionsother
How it's used
Reserved for formal, solemn, or grand settings, this word carries a weight that makes it sound out of place in casual conversation. It is most frequently applied to religious ceremonies, state events, or architectural structures that command respect. Using it to describe a person often implies they are behaving with an air of gravity or high moral standing.
Examples
They are holding a dignified wedding ceremony at the church.
This occasion is so solemn, please don't joke around.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a person who is simply 'serious' in a work context, as that is better expressed as 認真. It specifically denotes a sense of awe or sacredness that is absent in everyday professional tasks.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
