严厉 yánlì severe
severe; strict
How to remember 严厉: 严 strict + 厉 whetstone = severe.
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How it is used
- Severe, stern in manner or measures - 严厉批评 (yánlì pīpíng) to criticize harshly; 态度严厉 (tàidù yánlì) a stern attitude.
- Applies to people's demeanor and to punishments/measures (严厉打击 yánlì dǎjī, to crack down hard).
- 严厉 is about harsh treatment or a stern face; 严格 (yángé) is 'strict' about standards and rules. A 严格 teacher enforces high standards; a 严厉 teacher scolds sternly.