Definitions

(adjective) respectful; solemn
(verb) to clean up; to eliminate

Etymology

Simplified form of . Depicts a hand holding a bamboo stick () walking on the edge of an abyss (𣶒). Based on the original meaning "to tremble with fear". The meaning later shifted to "solemn" and "pay respects".

About

The character 肃, with its traditional form 肅, is structurally composed of the component 聿 at the top, which relates to writing or a brush and implies order, combined with a lower element that contributes a sense of depth or seriousness. Etymologically, it initially conveyed the meaning of being reverent or showing respect, particularly in formal or ceremonial settings. Over centuries, its semantic range expanded to encompass adjacent concepts such as solemnity and austerity, as well as active meanings like to tidy, arrange, or eliminate, evident in compounds such as 肃静 (solemn silence) and 肃清 (to purge). The simplified form 肃 retains this semantic core while presenting a streamlined graphical structure.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他的表情很严

Ta de biaoqing hen yansu.

His expression is very serious.

请保持室内静。

Qing baochi shinei sujing.

Please maintain silence indoors.

政府正在清贪污。

Zhengfu zhengzai suqing tanwu.

The government is purging corruption.

全体立致敬。

Quantí suli zhijing.

Everyone stands in solemn tribute.

秋风杀草木凋。

Qiufeng susha caomu diao.

The autumn wind is bleak, and plants wither.

仪式气氛十分穆。

Yishi qifen shifen sumu.

The ceremony atmosphere is very solemn.

反工作必须谨慎进行。

Sufan gongzuo bixu jinshen jinxing.

The purge work must be carried out cautiously.

清流毒是一项长期任务。

Suqing liudu shi yixiang changqi renwu.

Eliminating pernicious influences is a long-term task.