粛然(しゅくぜん)

しゅくぜん
adverb
solemnly; quietly and gravely
formalemotion
1. solemnly; quietly and gravely; in a dignified and subdued manner
Describes an atmosphere or manner that is solemn, hushed, and filled with gravity. Often used for formal or ceremonial occasions where everyone is still and serious.
会場(かいじょう)は粛然(しゅくぜん)としていた。
The venue was solemn and quiet.
参列者(さんれつしゃ)は粛然(しゅくぜん)と頭(あたま)を下(さ)げた。
The attendees solemnly bowed their heads.
判決(はんけつ)が読(よ)み上(あ)げられると、法廷(ほうてい)は粛然(しゅくぜん)とした空気(くうき)に包(つつ)まれた。
When the verdict was read, the courtroom was enveloped in a solemn atmosphere.

A literary word used to describe an atmosphere of solemn stillness and gravity. Most commonly appears as 粛然(しゅくぜん)と (adverbial form) or 粛然(しゅくぜん)とした (modifying a noun).

Forms

  • 粛然(しゅくぜん)と: adverbial (solemnly)
  • 粛然(しゅくぜん)とした: modifying a noun (粛然(しゅくぜん)とした雰囲気(ふんいき), a solemn atmosphere)
  • 粛然(しゅくぜん)たる: literary attributive form

Common collocations

  • 粛然(しゅくぜん)とした空気(くうき): a solemn atmosphere
  • 粛然(しゅくぜん)と立(た)つ: to stand solemnly
  • 粛然(しゅくぜん)とした面持(おもも)ち: a grave expression

Similar words

  • 厳粛(げんしゅく): solemn, grave — a more common word; used as a na-adjective
  • 荘厳(そうごん): majestic, sublime — emphasizes grandeur and awe rather than quiet gravity
  • しんと: dead silent — focuses purely on the absence of sound without the ceremonial gravity

Related Words

Compare: 厳粛(げんしゅく) (solemn, grave)
Compare: 荘厳(そうごん) (majestic, sublime)
general
Added 2026.4.3 4:21 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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