taru-adjective, adverb taking the 'to' particle
Literary taru-adjective describing a person, attitude, or atmosphere that is severe, imposing, or forbidding. Often used in written descriptions.
My father stared at me with a stern attitude.
His failure is an undeniable fact.
A solemn atmosphere hung over the conference room.
厳か describes a solemn, dignified atmosphere and is more common in speech, whereas 厳 leans toward sternness and is confined to literary style.
厳粛 is a common na-adjective/noun for 'solemn and grave', while 厳 is the older, terser taru-adjective form with a similar feel.
careful selection; hand-picking; rigorous screening
strict; severe; rigid
strict; severe; stringent; rigorous
dignity; majesty; sanctity
strict prohibition; ban
strict observance; rigid adherence; scrupulous compliance
dignity; majesty; solemnity; gravity
strict security; heavy guard; tight vigilance
martial law
Standard kanji form for this literary adjective.
Rare alternate kanji; 厳 is overwhelmingly more common.
The kanji 厳 is used for its meaning of 'strict' or 'severe'. The reading げん is the on'yomi. The word is a classical Chinese-derived form used in literary Japanese.
severe punishment; strict penalty; rigorous measures
solemn; grave; serious · harsh; hard; strict
severe winter; harsh winter
strict order; peremptory command
intense cold; severe cold
strictly; severely; rigidly
strict; rigorous; precise
stern; grim; heartless
severe punishment; heavy penalty
your father (honorific)
real existence; actual presence
stern expression; severe look
hermetic sealing; sealing tightly
strict law; rigorous regulation
strict search; sharp lookout
strict order; your order