intense; serious; terrible; describes a high degree of something negative, such as a sickness, weather, or pain

stern; severe; strict and harsh; not lenient

swift and fierce; relentless and forceful in momentum

stern, harsh, or severe voice; often used to describe speaking or shouting in an angry or commanding manner

To continue the struggle; to keep working hard without giving up. Originally described roosters sharpening their beaks between bouts in a cockfight. Do not confuse with written variants using [[砺|礪|li4]] or [[励|勵|li4]].

describes a sound that is both sad and piercingly sharp; mournful and shrill

to become more intense or severe; to change for the worse, usually used in a negative sense to describe a worsening of flaws or bad behavior

(idiom) to carry out a task vigorously and quickly; to act with a resolute and swift reaction, like the intensity of thunder and the speed of wind

to practice strict economy; to strictly enforce saving and avoid waste

ferocious ghost; malicious spirit; devil

to implement or carry out something strictly and earnestly

To speak with a voice and facial expression that are both extremely harsh and stern

To sharpen weapons and feed the horses; used to describe making thorough preparations for a fight or a major task.

appearing fierce or strong on the outside while being cowardly or weak on the inside; a sheep in wolf's clothing

miserable and desolate

a stern look or angry facial expression

Speaking in a sharp, hurried tone with a stern facial expression; describes the appearance of someone who is very angry

Feed the horses and sharpen the weapons; to be fully prepared for war or, more generally, to make ready for a major task or challenge.

to strictly forbid; to prohibit by decree

To have a solemn and severe expression; to look strict and unsmiling.

(idiom) speaking with serious words and a severe expression; strict and unsmiling

sternly and strictly disciplined; harsh and merciless in character or enforcement of rules

majestic; awe-inspiring

To elaborate on and promote achievements or virtues with great fanfare

Full of spirit and energy; originally describing the intense and powerful movements of the ancient Zhou Dynasty dance Wu [[武|武|wu3]], now used to describe a person's high spirits or energetic manner

(literary) bitter or sharp, especially in reference to cold wind or biting speech; stern; severe; grim

Describes writing or speech that is powerful and eloquent; can also describe a person's spirit as being vigorous and bold.

to maintain or refine one's moral character and discipline

to not understand something but still feel that it is very impressive or great; often used in internet contexts when someone encounters something sophisticated beyond their comprehension

Internet slang; used when one does not understand something but still feels it is impressive or awesome.

to strike a severe blow; to crack down; to take strong measures or seriously punish

to criticize severely; to slate; to give someone a dressing-talking to

stern and unsympathetic; icy and severe in manner or expression

To treat the people harshly or cruelly; often used in the context of rulers exploiting the population for their own gain

(literary) a serious epidemic or infectious disease

to give someone a stern or fierce look; to glare at someone with angry eyes

(literary) the root cause of trouble or a stepping stone to disaster

Famous scholar and writer (1692–1752) of the early Qing Dynasty from Hangzhou, known for his poetry and expertise in the history of the Liao and Song dynasties.

(idiom) high-spirited; mettlesome; displaying great energy and enthusiasm. Originally describing the powerful movements of a dance from the Zhou Dynasty.

(literary) heart-breaking and piercing; a mournful, shrill sound

to exert oneself to the utmost; to be full of spirit and act with vigor

ominous things or events that bring about disasters and plague

high-pitched and piercing to the ears, especially describing a voice or sound

(literary) an oath of loyalty to a feudal lord, meaning that even if the Yellow River becomes narrow like a belt and Mount Tai becomes small like a whetstone, the granted land will stay in the family

(literary) to exercise caution and discipline; to be on guard; to constantly reflect on one's conduct to avoid mistakes

(literary) to develop or carry forward; to make something great or more glorious

To sharpen one's weapons in preparation for a task; to be fully prepared and wait for the right moment to act.

disasters; calamities; plagues or infectious diseases

Literally means to wade across deep water with clothes on and shallow water by lifting one's clothes; used to describe adapting one's actions according to the current situation or environment.