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Kotomora

粛

solemn, quietly, softly

JLPTN1StatusJōyō · secondary schoolFrequencyTop 2,000Strokes11

Readings

On'yomi

  • シュク
  • スク

Kun'yomi

  • つつし.む

Meaning

粛 centers on a restrained, quiet atmosphere: something done solemnly, softly, or with subdued dignity.

Most common words using 粛

20 of 24
  • 自粛じしゅく

    self-restraint; voluntary restraint; self-imposed control; self-discipline

  • 粛清しゅくせい

    (political) purge

  • 静粛せいしゅく
    N1

    silent

  • 厳粛げんしゅく

    grave; solemn; serious

  • 粛正しゅくせい

    strict crackdown on and elimination of misconduct; strict enforcement of discipline

  • 粛々しゅくしゅく

    silent; solemn; quiet

  • 綱紀粛正こうきしゅくせい

    enforcement of official discipline; tightening of discipline; eliminating corruption among government officials

  • 粛軍しゅくぐん

    army purge

  • 外出自粛がいしゅつじしゅく

    refraining from going outside; staying indoors

  • 振粛しんしゅく

    strict enforcement

  • 渡航自粛勧告とこうじしゅくかんこく

    travel advisory

  • 甘粛省かんしゅくしょう

    Gansu Province (China)

  • 甘粛農業大学かんせいのうぎょうだいがく

    Gansu Agricultural University

  • 粛しゅく

    solemn; respectful; reverent

  • 粛としてしゅくとして

    solemnly; respectfully; reverently

  • 粛党しゅくとう

    cleaning up (political party)

  • 粛啓しゅくけい

    Dear (name)

  • 粛学しゅくがく

    school purge

  • 粛慎しゅくしん

    Sushen (ancient ethnic group of people who lived in northeastern China)

  • 粛慎みしはせ

    Mishihase (ancient ethnic group of people who lived in northern Japan)

Explore all words using 粛 →

Study

Etymology

粛 is the modern simplified form of 肅. The older form depicted a hand holding a brush over a ritual vessel, suggesting careful, solemn preparation. The modern form retains the general vertical structure but simplifies the components.

Meaning mnemonic

The top part looks like a hand holding something, and the bottom resembles a vessel or container. Picture a solemn ceremony where everything is handled quietly and softly.

Reading mnemonic

For シュク, imagine a quiet, solemn school ceremony: school -> シュク, and the atmosphere is subdued and soft.