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庄严 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
庄严zhuāngyánstatelyHSK 7, a, 13 strokes, rank #12063, Very Hard
庄严zhuāngyánsolemnHSK 7, unknown, 13 strokes, rank #12063, Very Hard
庄严zhuāngyándignifiedHSK 7, unknown, 13 strokes, rank #12063, Very Hard
zhuāngyán(zhuang1yan2)zhuang yan T1
  1. 1stately
  2. 2solemn
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March 24, 2026

庄严(莊嚴)zhuāngyán(zhuang1yan2)

庄严 (zhuang1 yan2) describes a state of being solemn, dignified, or stately. This word is often used in formal contexts, such as ceremonies or speeches, to convey a sense of gravity and importance. It can also refer to places or situations that evoke respect and seriousness.

Strokes13Frequency#12063DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, ceremonies such as weddings and funerals are often described as 庄严, reflecting the cultural importance placed on respect and solemnity during significant life events. This word captures the essence of how these events are perceived and conducted.

Memory tip

Imagine a grand palace (庄) where every detail is arranged with utmost seriousness (严). The character 庄 evokes the image of a stately structure, while 严 suggests strictness or solemnity. Visualize a royal ceremony taking place within this palace, where every action is dignified and serious.

Meanings of 庄严

zhuāngyán(zhuang1yan2)
1stately
2solemn
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 庄严

庄严Simplified
莊嚴Traditional
13Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#12063Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 庄严

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Podcast: 庄严

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AI Study Notes for 庄严

Quick Contrast

严肃 (yánsù) - use 庄严 (zhuāngyán) for a more formal, ceremonial tone, while 严肃 (yánsù) is more about seriousness in a general sense; 威严 (wēiyán) - choose 庄严 (zhuāngyán) for a dignified atmosphere, whereas 威严 (wēiyán) emphasizes authoritative respect.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 庄严 with similar words that convey different tones, such as 滑稽 (huá jī), which means 'comical.' This term is typically used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include 庄严的场合 (solemn occasions) and 庄严的仪式 (solemn ceremonies).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 庄严 connects with other advanced vocabulary that describes emotions and atmospheres, such as 庄重 (zhuang1 zhong4 - solemn) and 威严 (wei1 yan2 - imposing). Students should focus on understanding the nuance of dignity and seriousness conveyed by this term.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use 庄严 in informal contexts, such as describing a casual gathering, which can sound awkward. For example, saying '我们今天的聚会很庄严' (Our gathering today is very solemn) is incorrect; instead, use '很轻松' (very casual).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 庄严

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Component Characters

庄zhuāngfarmstead
HSK 76 strokes广
View full entry
严yántight (closely sealed)
HSK 67 strokes一
View full entry

How to say stately in Chinese

“stately” in Chinese is庄严zhuāngyán

庄严 (zhuang1 yan2) describes a state of being solemn, dignified, or stately. This word is often used in formal contexts, such as ceremonies or speeches, to convey a sense of gravity and importance. It can also refer to places or situations that evoke respect and seriousness.

When to use 庄严

Be careful not to confuse 庄严 with similar words that convey different tones, such as 滑稽 (huá jī), which means 'comical.' This term is typically used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include 庄严的场合 (solemn occasions) and 庄严的仪式 (solemn ceremonies).

庄严 or something close to it

严肃 (yánsù) - use 庄严 (zhuāngyán) for a more formal, ceremonial tone, while 严肃 (yánsù) is more about seriousness in a general sense; 威严 (wēiyán) - choose 庄严 (zhuāngyán) for a dignified atmosphere, whereas 威严 (wēiyán) emphasizes authoritative respect.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mistakenly use 庄严 in informal contexts, such as describing a casual gathering, which can sound awkward. For example, saying '我们今天的聚会很庄严' (Our gathering today is very solemn) is incorrect; instead, use '很轻松' (very casual).

Write 庄严

庄
严

Practice writing 庄严 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 庄严

庄严 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高,not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 3

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Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

他的诗篇虽然____巧妙, 却有猜迷之嫌.

His poems, despite their dignity and felicity, have an air of charade.

Example Sentences for 庄严 (2)

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1
他的诗篇虽然庄严巧妙, 却有猜迷之嫌.

tā de shīpiān suīrán zhuāngyán qiǎomiào, què yǒu cāi mí zhī xián.

His poems, despite their dignity and felicity, have an air of charade.
2
大海湾背靠着庄严的山脉.

dàhǎi wān bēi kào zhe zhuāngyán de shānmài.

The large bay has a superb backdrop of mountains.

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Cultural Notes for 庄严

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, solemnity is often tied to spirituality or religious events, while in Chinese culture, it permeates many life rituals, reflecting a broader societal respect for tradition and hierarchy.

Frequently Asked Questions about 庄严

You can say, '这个仪式显得非常庄严' (This ceremony appears very solemn).

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