Japanese word

厳しい

Pronunciation

Romajikibishii

Meaning

  • i-adjectivestrict

Example

先生は厳しいです。sen sei wa kibi shi i de su

The teacher is strict.

Illustration for 厳しい (strict)

More examples

母は門限に厳しいです。haha wa mon gen ni kibi shi i de su

My mother is strict about curfews.

Core concept

Describes a person, rule, or situation that leaves little room for leniency, ease, or favorable conditions.

Common phrases

  • 規則に厳しいki soku ni kibi shi i

    strict about rules

  • 自分に厳しいji bun ni kibi shi i

    hard on oneself

  • 厳しい先生kibi shi i sen sei

    strict teacher

Similar words

きついkitsui: Making a person work hard or follow demands without much flexibility.
手厳しいtekibishii: Expressing criticism in a severe way that does not overlook faults.

Definition in Japanese

人や規則などが厳格で、妥協や寛容さをほとんど示さないさま。hito ya ki soku na do ga gen kaku de da kyō ya kan yō sa o ho to n do shime sa na i sa ma

Word origin

厳しい (kibishii) is a native Japanese adjective inherited from the classical form 厳し (kibishi), meaning "severe" or "hard"; the modern form keeps this sense.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Japanese, 厳しい (kibishii) can describe not only a strict person but also tight finances or harsh conditions, so context determines whether "strict" or "severe" fits best.

Other meanings

  • severei-adjective

Opposites

  • 緩いyuriilenienti-adjective

Related words

Word lists with this word