Strict and rigorous describe high standards, careful attention to rules or details, and little tolerance for error or deviation. The character 严 (yán) means 'strict', 'severe', or 'serious', often implying firmness in attitude or discipline. The character 格 (gé) originally meant 'standard', 'measure', or 'pattern', and here reinforces the idea of adherence to a defined norm or principle. Together, 严格 emphasizes consistency, precision, and uncompromising expectations — whether in academic grading, workplace procedures, safety protocols, or personal conduct.

This adjective commonly modifies verbs (e.g., 严格要求 — 'to strictly require') or functions predicatively (e.g., 老师很严格 — 'The teacher is strict'). It’s neutral in register but carries a formal, objective tone — more common in written or professional contexts than casual speech. While it can describe people (a strict parent), it’s equally frequent describing systems, rules, or processes (e.g., 严格管理 — 'rigorous management').