严谨 (yánjǐn)

严谨 describes a careful, thorough, and precise approach to work, scholarship, or thought, often used to praise the quality of academic work, research methodology, or a person's working style.

Meanings

[adjective] rigorous; meticulous; precise (describing thoroughness and care in work or thinking)
[adjective] well-organized; tight; logically consistent (describing writing or argumentation)

Example Sentences

这位教授的学术态度非常严谨，每一个数据都经过反复核实。 Zhè wèi jiàoshòu de xuéshù tàidù fēicháng yánjǐn, měi yī gè shùjù dōu jīngguò fǎnfù héshí. This professor has a very rigorous academic attitude; every piece of data is repeatedly verified.

这篇论文逻辑严谨，论据充分，获得了评委的高度评价。 Zhè piān lùnwén luójí yánjǐn, lùnjù chōngfèn, huòdéle píngwěi de gāodù píngjià. This paper is logically rigorous and well-supported, earning high praise from the judges.

做科学研究需要严谨的态度，不能允许任何数据造假。 Zuò kēxué yánjiū xūyào yánjǐn de tàidù, bù néng yǔnxǔ rènhé shùjù zàojiǎ. Scientific research requires a rigorous attitude; no falsification of data can be allowed.

他的写作风格严谨而清晰，深受读者喜爱。 Tā de xiězuò fēnggé yánjǐn ér qīngxī, shēn shòu dúzhě xǐài. His writing style is rigorous and clear, greatly loved by readers.

这家工程公司以严谨的设计标准和精湛的施工质量著称。 Zhè jiā gōngchéng gōngsī yǐ yánjǐn de shèjì biāozhǔn hé jīngzhàn de shīgōng zhìliàng zhùchēng. This engineering company is known for its rigorous design standards and superb construction quality.

导师要求学生以严谨的科学态度对待每一个实验环节。 Dǎoshī yāoqiú xuéshēng yǐ yánjǐn de kēxué tàidù duìdài měi yī gè shíyàn huánjié. The supervisor requires students to approach every stage of the experiment with a rigorous scientific attitude.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
严谨的态度	rigorous attitude
严谨的逻辑	rigorous logic
治学严谨	rigorous in one's scholarship
严谨的作风	meticulous work style
严谨细致	meticulous and careful

Usage Notes

严谨 is a highly positive adjective used to describe people, work, writing, or methodology that is careful, thorough, and well-organized. It is particularly common in academic and professional contexts. The word carries an implication of not cutting corners and taking quality seriously.

严谨 differs from 严格 (strict/rigorous in enforcing rules): 严谨 describes the quality of thought or output, while 严格 describes the strictness of a standard or person. 治学严谨 (rigorous in scholarship) is a classic compliment for academics in Chinese culture.

Memory Hook

严 means "strict" and 谨 means "careful/cautious" — 严谨 is being strictly careful, the hallmark of a meticulous scholar.