祗严

祗严（zhī yán）

Pronunciation: zhī yán

Basic Meaning: Strict and severe

Detailed Explanation: The idiom "祗严" refers to a strict and severe attitude or behavior towards something or someone. It implies being serious and rigorous in handling matters, leaving no room for any leniency or negligence.

Usage Scenarios: This idiom is often used to describe someone who is strict in managing affairs, maintaining discipline, or enforcing rules. It can also be used to describe a situation where rules or regulations are strictly adhered to without any compromise.

Story Origin: The idiom "祗严" originates from an ancient Chinese story. During the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), there was a state called Qi (齐国). The king of Qi, Jinggong (景公), was known for his strict and severe governance. He implemented a series of strict measures to ensure the stability and order of the state. His strictness and severity became well-known, and the phrase "祗严" was used to describe his governance style.

Structure of the Idiom: The idiom "祗严" is a combination of two characters: "祗" and "严". "祗" means "only" or "solely," while "严" means "strict" or "severe." Together, they form the meaning of being strictly and severely.

Example Sentences:

1. 这个老师对学生要求祗严，从不容许有任何马虎。

Translation: This teacher has strict requirements for students and never allows any carelessness.

2. 这个公司的管理祗严，员工必须严格遵守各项规章制度。

Translation: The management of this company is strict, and employees must strictly comply with various rules and regulations.

Memory Techniques: To remember the idiom "祗严," you can associate it with the image of a king sitting on a throne, wearing a stern expression. This image represents the strict and severe governance style of the king of Qi, Jinggong.

Extended Learning: To further understand the concept of being strict and severe, you can explore other related idioms such as "法纪森严" (fǎ jì sēn yán, strict law and discipline) and "严阵以待" (yán zhèn yǐ dài, be on high alert).

Example Sentences from Different Age Groups:

1. Children (8-12 years old): 我的爸爸对我的功课要求祗严，每天都要检查我是否完成了作业。

Translation: My dad has strict requirements for my homework. He checks whether I have finished my assignments every day.

2. Teenagers (13-18 years old): 这个教练对我们的训练要求祗严，每次都让我们尽力发挥最好的水平。

Translation: This coach has strict requirements for our training. He always pushes us to perform at our best level.

3. Adults (19+ years old): 在这个公司工作，你必须对工作要求祗严，不能有任何马虎。

Translation: When working in this company, you must have strict requirements for your job and cannot be careless in any way.