严峻
Traditional: 嚴峻
yán jùn HSK 6

English Meaning

📚 Example Sentences

经济形势非常严峻。
Jīngjì xíngshì fēicháng yánjùn.
The economic situation is very severe.
他面临严峻的挑战。
Tā miànlín yánjùn de tiǎozhàn.
He faces stern challenges.
环境问题日益严峻。
Huánjìng wèntí rìyì yánjùn.
Environmental problems are becoming increasingly severe.
形势很严峻。
Xíngshì hěn yánjùn.
The situation is very grim.
他表情严峻。
Tā biǎoqíng yánjùn.
His expression is stern.

💡 Memory Tip

Break the characters: '严' (yán) means strict or severe, and '峻' (jùn) means steep or high (like a mountain). Picture a steep, severe mountain climb—this represents a 'grim and rigorous' challenge, which is the essence of 严峻.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is formal in tone and is commonly used in both written and spoken contexts, such as news reports, official statements, and serious discussions. It is typically used to describe serious situations like economic conditions, security threats, challenges, tests, or a person's stern facial expression.

📖 Grammar Points

It is primarily used as an attributive adjective (e.g., 严峻的形势) or a predicate adjective (e.g., 形势严峻). It can be modified by degree adverbs like '十分', '非常', or '极其' to intensify the severity.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese political and social discourse, '严峻' is frequently used to describe national or societal challenges, reinforcing a collective call for vigilance and action. It carries a connotation of urgency and responsibility.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to '严重' (yánzhòng, serious/severe), which focuses more on the gravity or bad state of a problem (e.g., a serious illness), '严峻' emphasizes the harsh, demanding, and challenging nature of a situation that tests one's ability. '严格' (yángé, strict/rigorous) refers more to rules or standards being stringent, not the condition itself.

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