祗嚴（zhī yán）

Pronunciation: zhī yán

Basic Meaning: Strict and severe

Detailed Explanation: The idiom "祗嚴" 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 "祗嚴" originates from an ancient Chinese story. During the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), there was a state called Qi (齊國). 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 "祗嚴" was used to describe his governance style.

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

Example Sentences:

1. 這個老師對學生要求祗嚴，從不容許有任何馬虎。

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

2. 這個公司的管理祗嚴，員工必須嚴格遵守各項規章制度。

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

Memory Techniques: To remember the idiom "祗嚴," 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 "法紀森嚴" (fǎ jì sēn yán, strict law and discipline) and "嚴陣以待" (yán zhèn yǐ dài, be on high alert).

Example Sentences from Different Age Groups:

1. Children (8-12 years old): 我的爸爸對我的功課要求祗嚴，每天都要檢查我是否完成了作業。

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): 這個教練對我們的訓練要求祗嚴，每次都讓我們盡力發揮最好的水平。

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

3. Adults (19+ years old): 在這個公司工作，你必須對工作要求祗嚴，不能有任何馬虎。

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