从严 + 动词（从严处置）
to handle strictly (从严), severely (从重), leniently (从宽, 从轻), swiftly (从快) or simply (从简)
Structure
（对 人／事） ＋ 从严／从重／从宽／从轻／从快／从简 ＋ 动词（处理、处置、处罚、查处、办理）
What it means
Says in what spirit authorities handle a case: 从严 strictly, 从重 with a heavier penalty, 从宽／从轻 leniently or lightly, 从快 swiftly, 从简 simply.
How it is built
(对 + case) + 从 + one-syllable adjective + two-syllable verb (处理, 处罚, 查处): 对销售过期食品的商家，监管部门将从严查处 (Shops selling expired food will be dealt with strictly).
When to use it
The language of law, discipline and official notices. Set phrases: 坦白从宽, 从严从快, 一切从简 (从简 needs no verb here). 从优 means on favourable terms: 价格从优.
Watch out
Keep it for how authorities treat cases, not for everyday strictness. ✗ 从严对学生 ✓ 对学生很严格.
Examples
对销售过期食品的商家，监管部门将从严查处。
Shops found selling out-of-date food will be dealt with strictly by the regulators.
他犯罪后主动自首，法院依法对他从轻处罚。
He gave himself up after the offence, and the court, as the law allows, gave him a lighter sentence.
老人生前交代，自己的后事一切从简。
Before he died the old man left word that his funeral should be kept simple.
Learn this in Lesson 118 · HSK 7–9: 土坑酸菜 (Exposé: the pickled-cabbage pits)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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