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.
The judge gave a stern warning.
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.
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.