Japanese word

きつい

Pronunciation

Romajikitsui

Meaning

  • i-adjectivehard

Example

この仕事はきついです。ko no shi goto wa ki tsu i de su

This job is hard.

Illustration for きつい (hard)

More examples

この靴は少しきつくて、長くは歩けません。ko no kutsu wa suko shi ki tsu ku te naga ku wa aru ke ma se n

These shoes are a little tight, so I cannot walk in them for long.

Core concept

Describes something that leaves little room for ease, space, or tolerance, so it can feel hard, harsh, or tight.

Common phrases

  • 体力的にきついtai ryoku teki ni ki tsu i

    physically demanding

  • きつい仕事ki tsu i shi goto

    hard work

Similar words

しんどいshindoi: Describes a task or condition that causes physical or emotional strain.
つらいtsurai: Describes something that causes pain or emotional distress and is difficult to endure.
きびしいkibishii: Describes a demand or condition that requires much effort or allows little room for error.
苦しいkurushii: Describes a situation that causes strong physical or emotional distress.

Definition in Japanese

負担や刺激が大きくて耐えにくい、または余裕や隙間が少なく窮屈なさま。fu tan ya shi geki ga ō ki ku te ta e ni ku i ma ta wa yo yū ya suki ma ga suku na ku kyū kutsu na sa ma

Word origin

きつい (kitsui) is a native Japanese adjective with the older form きつし (kitsushi), meaning "severe" or "intense"; its deeper origin is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • In casual conversation, きつい (kitsui) can describe a schedule, a smell, or clothing as well as a difficult job, so the surrounding noun shows the kind of pressure involved.

Other meanings

  • harshi-adjective
  • tighti-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • きつさkitsusatoughnessnoun

Word lists with this word