Chinese word

庄严

Pronunciation

Pinyinzhuāng yán

Meaning

  • adjectivesolemn

Example

庄严的教堂让人肃然起敬。zhuāng yán de jiào táng ràng rén sù rán qǐ jìng

The solemn church inspires awe and respect.

Illustration for 庄严 (solemn)

More examples

国旗下的升旗仪式显得格外庄严。guó qí xià de shēng qí yí shì xiǎn de gé wài zhuāng yán

The flag-raising ceremony under the national flag appeared especially solemn.

Core concept

A calm, weighty presence that makes a place, voice, or expression feel worthy of respect.

Common phrases

  • 庄严的氛围zhuāng yán de fēn wéi

    solemn atmosphere

  • 庄严的仪式zhuāng yán de yí shì

    solemn ceremony

  • 庄严的场面zhuāng yán de chǎng miàn

    solemn scene

Similar words

庄重zhuāng zhòng: Dignified and composed in manner, appearance, or behavior, without seeming casual or frivolous.
严肃yán sù: Serious and focused, with little room for joking or playful behavior.
肃穆sù mù: Quiet and solemn, creating a respectful atmosphere that makes people feel inwardly still.
威严wēi yán: Imposing and authoritative, carrying a heavy presence that makes approach feel difficult.

Definition in Chinese

表示场面、言语或表情具有庄重肃穆、带有敬畏或神圣感的性质。biǎo shì chǎng miàn yán yǔ huò biǎo qíng jù yǒu zhuāng zhòng sù mù dài yǒu jìng wèi huò shén shèng gǎn de xìng zhì

Word origin

庄严 (zhuāngyán, "solemn") combines 庄 (zhuāng, "dignified") with 严 (yán, "strict"), joining dignity with serious restraint.

Usage tips

  • In conversational Chinese, this adjective suits ceremonies, sacred places, official statements, and dignified appearances, but it is usually too elevated for casual chats or ordinary situations.

Other meanings

  • statelyadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 庄严感zhuāng yán gǎnsense of solemnitynoun
  • 庄严性zhuāng yán xìngsolemnitynoun

Word lists with this word