厳格

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 厳格 is read as げんかく and behaves as a な-adjectival noun for strict adherence to standards or rules.
• Basic usage: Use the adverbial form in 厳格に行う and mark the area of strictness in 時間に厳格な人.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Two roles of に
  • The first に makes an adverb, while the に in 時間に厳格だ marks the matter about which someone is strict.
• Contrast with 厳しい
  • 厳しい has a wider range including harsh weather or conditions, while 厳格 centers on rigorous application of rules and standards.