厳重

げんじゅう

strict, severe, firm

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 厳重 (げんじゅう) means "strict," "severe," or "firm," often used to describe measures, precautions, or warnings that are thorough and tightly enforced. It conveys a sense of seriousness and careful attention to detail.

Common Contexts

You will frequently see 厳重 used in contexts related to security (e.g., security checks), storage (e.g., keeping documents safe), and warnings or instructions that require careful adherence.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 厳重な注意 (げんじゅうなちゅうい): a strict warning or caution
  • 厳重に保管する (げんじゅうにほかんする): to keep something securely
  • 厳重な警備 (げんじゅうなけいび): strict security

These collocations emphasize the seriousness and thoroughness of the action or state.

Register and Nuance

厳重 is a formal word often used in official or serious situations. It is not casual and is appropriate in written and spoken contexts where formality and seriousness are required.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 厳重 with 厳しい (きびしい), which also means "strict" or "severe" but is more often used to describe people or conditions rather than measures or precautions. Remember, 厳重 is about the strictness of procedures or handling, not personal strictness.

Example Sentences

くうこうではげんじゅうなせきゅりてぃちぇっくがおこなわれている。

Strict security checks are conducted at the airport.

じゅうようなしょるいはげんじゅうにほかんしてください。

Please keep important documents securely.

かれはげんじゅうなちゅういをうけた。

He received a severe warning.