严峻 yánjùn grim
grim; severe; rigorous
How to remember 严峻: 严 strict + 峻 high = grim.
Characters
How it is used
- Grim, severe - of a situation, challenge, or test - 形势严峻 (xíngshì yánjùn) the situation is grave; 严峻的考验 (yánjùn de kǎoyàn) a severe test.
- Written register, used for daunting external circumstances, not for a person's temperament.
- Contrast 严厉 (yánlì, stern/harsh in manner, of people and punishment); 严峻 describes conditions, not attitude.
Example sentences
- 形势似乎非常紧张严峻。 Xíngshì sìhū fēicháng jǐnzhāng yánjùn.The situation seemed very tense and dangerous.