| 严重HSK 4 | yán zhòng | grave; serious; severe; critical | |
| 严格HSK 4 | yán gé | strict; stringent; tight; rigorous | |
| 严肃HSK 5 | yán sù | solemn; grave; serious; earnest; severe | |
| 严厉HSK 6 | yán lì | severe; strict | |
| 严峻HSK 6 | yán jùn | grim; severe; rigorous |
| 1 | This matter is very serious. | |
| 2 | Discipline must be strictly observed during wartime. | |
| 3 | We need to have a serious conversation. | |
| 4 | My math teacher is very strict. | |
| 5 | We need to strictly abide by the regulations. |