いかめしい

い

か

め

し

い

Meanings

1

i-adjective

stern; grave; imposing; dignified

usually written using kana alone

Describes a person, expression, atmosphere, or building that feels solemn, dignified, and somewhat intimidating. Often used for a stern face or an imposing structure.

彼かれのいかめしい顔かおつきに、思おもわず緊きん張ちょうした。
I couldn't help feeling nervous at his stern expression.

門もんの前まえに立たついかめしい石せき像ぞうが印いん象しょう的てきだった。

The imposing stone statue standing in front of the gate was impressive.

2

i-adjective

strict; severe; rigorous

usually written using kana alone

Used for rules, security, discipline, or measures that are strict and leave no room for leniency. Often collocates with 警戒 (security), 規則 (rules), or 取り締まり (crackdown).

空くう港こうではいかめしい警けい戒かいが続つづいている。
Strict security continues at the airport.
いかめしい規き則そくに縛しばられて、自じ由ゆうな発はっ想そうができない。
Bound by rigid rules, I can't think freely.

Written forms

いかめしいUsage81%
Usually written in kana; the kanji form 厳めしい is rare.
厳いかめしいUsage19%
Rare kanji spelling; usually written in kana.
厳いかめしい
irregular okurigana
Irregular okurigana usage; included for search coverage but not recommended for writing.

Kanji

厳stern, strictness, severity

Similar words

厳きびしい
きびしい is the common word for 'strict' or 'severe' in everyday contexts. いかめしい is more literary and emphasizes a dignified, imposing, or solemn strictness rather than harshness.
厳おごそか
おごそか focuses on solemnity and ceremony without the intimidating nuance. いかめしい adds a sense of sternness or formidability.

Etymology

The exact derivation is uncertain. It may be related to 厳 (ika, 'stern') + めしい (adjective-forming suffix), but the historical development is unclear.