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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "serious" with 严肃 (yánsù)

    Description & Modification

    Structure

    Subject + 严肃 + 地 + Verb

    Explanation

    The adjective 严肃 (yánsù) means "serious," "solemn," or "stern," describing a grave or earnest manner or tone. It is used to characterize people's expressions, attitudes, or the tone of a situation. It often appears with 地 as an adverb: 严肃地 (seriously).

    Examples

    • 老师严肃地说:"这件事必须认真对待。"

      lǎoshī yánsù de shuō: "zhè jiàn shì bìxū rènzhēn duìdài."

      The teacher said seriously, "This matter must be taken seriously."

    • 他平时爱开玩笑,但今天表情很严肃。

      tā píngshí ài kāi wánxiào, dàn jīntiān biǎoqíng hěn yánsù.

      He usually likes to joke around, but today his expression was very serious.

    • 会议的气氛突然变得严肃起来。

      huìyì de qìfēn tūrán biàn de yánsù qǐlái.

      The atmosphere of the meeting suddenly became serious.

    Expressing "serious" with 严肃 (yánsù) | Chinese Grammar