Translation guide
The English word "stern" can describe a person's strict and severe demeanor, a harsh warning or command, or a grim and forbidding appearance. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each nuance.
Describing a person, teacher, parent, or boss who is strict, severe, and unyielding.
The most common and versatile word for 'strict' or 'severe'. Can describe a person, rule, or environment.
He is a very stern teacher.
My father was stern with the children.
Literally 'scary', but often used colloquially to mean 'stern' or 'intimidating' in a way that makes others nervous.
That department head is so stern that everyone gets nervous.
A more formal adjective meaning 'strict' or 'rigorous', often used for rules, upbringing, or a person's principled sternness.
He is known as a stern father.
Means 'merciless' or 'unforgiving', emphasizing a lack of leniency. Stronger than 厳しい.
His criticism was stern and unsparing.
Describing a warning, command, or tone of voice that is harsh, severe, and brooks no argument.
Again the most common choice. Can modify words like 警告 (warning) or 口調 (tone).
He said in a stern tone.
Used for official or formal warnings, security, or supervision. Implies strictness and seriousness.
Means 'harsh' or 'severe', often used for criticism or scolding. Slightly more intense than 厳しい.
Describing a face, look, or atmosphere that is grim, forbidding, and unapproachable.
Often used for a grim or stern facial expression, or a rugged landscape. For faces, it implies a severe, unapproachable look.
He had a stern look on his face.
Describes a dignified but stern and imposing appearance, often of a person or building. Can be positive (dignified) or negative (forbidding).
Colloquial phrase meaning 'scary face', often used to describe a stern or intimidating expression.
Describes a sullen, stern, or taciturn expression. Implies someone who is uncommunicative and looks displeased.
He sat with a stern, sullen expression.
While 厳しい (strict) focuses on high standards and discipline, 怖い (scary) emphasizes the emotional effect on others. A 厳しい先生 may be respected, but a 怖い先生 makes students anxious. In casual speech, 怖い is often used to mean 'stern' in a negative sense.
That teacher is strict but good.
That teacher is so stern I can't ask questions.
The English word 'stern' also means the rear part of a ship, which is 船尾 (せんび) in Japanese. Do not confuse the two meanings. This guide only covers the adjective meaning.
The police issued a stern warning.
The judge gave a stern warning.
She wrote a stern critique.
門の前に厳めしい警備員が立っていた。
A stern-looking guard stood at the gate.
He always has a stern face, but he's actually kind.