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A2 adjective 9 Min. Lesezeit

厳しい

kibishii

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At the A1 level, learners should focus on the most basic meaning of 'kibishii': a strict person. Imagine a teacher who doesn't allow talking in class or a parent who insists on early bedtimes. This is the 'strict' you learn first. At this stage, you simply use it to describe people. For example, 'Kibishii sensei' (A strict teacher). You might also hear it in the context of weather, like 'Kibishii fuyu' (A severe winter), though 'samui' (cold) is more common for beginners. The goal at A1 is to recognize the word and associate it with 'no-nonsense' authority or harsh weather. You don't need to worry about complex nuances yet. Just remember that it is an i-adjective, so it ends in 'i'. To say 'not strict,' you say 'kibishiku nai.' To say 'was strict,' you say 'kibishikatta.' This simple foundation will help you as you encounter the word in more varied contexts later on.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'kibishii' for more than just people. You start to apply it to 'situations' and 'rules.' For instance, 'Kisoku ga kibishii' (The rules are strict). You also learn that 'kibishii' can describe a situation that is difficult to overcome, like '合格は厳しい' (Passing is tough/unlikely). This is a very common way to express that something might not work out. You will also encounter it in weather reports more frequently. Instead of just saying 'it's cold,' you might hear 'kibishii samusa' (severe coldness). At this level, you should be able to use 'kibishii' to describe your environment and the expectations placed upon you. You are moving from seeing it as a personality trait to seeing it as a descriptor for the 'difficulty level' of life's various challenges.

At the B1 level, the nuance of 'kibishii' expands into the professional and social spheres. You will use it to describe the economy, job markets, and competitive environments. Phrases like 'Keizai joukyou ga kibishii' (The economic situation is severe) become relevant. You also start to understand the cultural value of being 'jibun ni kibishii' (strict with oneself). This reflects the Japanese virtue of self-discipline. At B1, you should also be able to use the adverbial form 'kibishiku' to describe how someone acts, such as 'kibishiku chuui suru' (to warn someone strictly). You are now using the word to discuss social issues and personal growth, recognizing that 'strictness' in Japan is often seen as a necessary component of high-quality work and character building.

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At the B2 level, you should master the subtle 'business' uses of 'kibishii.' It is often used as a polite, indirect way to say 'no' or 'that's impossible.' If a client says, 'Sono yotei wa kibishii desu,' they aren't just saying the schedule is strict; they are saying it's likely impossible to meet. You also learn to distinguish 'kibishii' from synonyms like 'genkaku' (formal strictness) or 'hageshii' (intensity). You can use 'kibishii' to describe a 'kibishii iken' (a harsh/critical opinion). At this stage, you understand that 'kibishii' is not just about being 'mean'; it’s about the objective reality of high standards and the pressure of external factors. You can participate in debates about social standards or environmental issues using this word to add weight to your descriptions of difficulty.

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At the C1 level, you use 'kibishii' to describe nuanced philosophical or technical severity. You might discuss 'kibishii rinri' (strict ethics) or 'kibishii kenshou' (rigorous verification). You understand the historical and cultural roots of the word, perhaps linking it to the discipline found in traditional arts (Geido) or martial arts (Budo). You can use the word to describe fine-grained differences in quality or the 'tightness' of a logical argument. Your usage is precise, and you can switch between 'kibishii' and its more academic counterparts like 'kin-etsu' or 'genjuu' depending on the register. You also pick up on the 'kibishii' tone in literature, where it might describe a desolate landscape or a character's unyielding resolve. Your understanding is now deeply integrated with Japanese cultural psychology.

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At the C2 level, 'kibishii' is a tool for professional-grade communication and literary analysis. You can use it to critique complex systems, such as 'kibishii shakai kousei' (a rigid/harsh social structure). You understand the word's role in 'keigo' (polite language) contexts, where expressing a 'kibishii' reality must be balanced with extreme politeness. You can appreciate the use of 'kibishii' in classical poetry or high-level journalism to evoke a specific sense of 'wabi-sabi' or the harsh beauty of nature. You are comfortable using the word in any context, from a casual chat about a 'kibishii' diet to a high-stakes negotiation where 'kibishii' terms are being laid out. You have a near-native grasp of when 'kibishii' is the only word that can capture the specific blend of pressure, standard, and reality being discussed.

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厳しい in 30 Sekunden

Means strict, severe, or harsh.
Used for people, weather, and situations.
An i-adjective (kibishii, kibishikatta).
Implies high standards or intense pressure.

The Japanese word 厳しい (kibishii) is a multifaceted i-adjective that serves as a cornerstone for describing various forms of intensity, strictness, and severity. At its most fundamental level, it describes a state where there is little to no room for error, leniency, or relaxation. When applied to people, such as a teacher or a parent, it conveys that they maintain high standards and expect rigorous adherence to rules. However, its utility extends far beyond human behavior. It is frequently used to describe environmental conditions, such as a 'kibishii fuyu' (severe winter) or a 'kibishii jousei' (harsh situation/climate).

Discipline and Standards: When used in an educational or professional context, kibishii implies a person who is demanding but often with the intention of improvement. It is not necessarily negative; a kibishii coach is often respected for pushing athletes to their limits.

あの先生はテストの採点がとても厳しいです。(That teacher is very strict with grading tests.)

In the realm of nature, kibishii captures the unforgiving essence of the elements. A mountain trail might be described as kibishii if it is steep and dangerous, or the heat of midsummer might be called 'kibishii暑さ' (harsh heat). This usage highlights the objective difficulty of enduring a situation.

Economic and Social Climate: Japanese news often uses kibishii to describe the economy (keizai) or job market (shuushoku). If the economy is kibishii, it means growth is stagnant and survival for businesses is tough.

不況で経営が厳しい状態だ。(Management is in a severe state due to the recession.)

Finally, kibishii is used to describe one's own internal judgment. 'Jibun ni kibishii' (strict with oneself) is a trait highly valued in Japanese culture, signifying self-discipline and constant striving for perfection. It contrasts with 'jibun ni amai' (easy on oneself).

Interpersonal Nuance: Calling someone kibishii to their face can be a compliment regarding their professional standards, or a subtle complaint about their lack of flexibility.

父は礼儀作法に厳しい人です。(My father is a person who is strict about etiquette.)

今年の冬は寒さが厳しいですね。(The coldness is severe this winter, isn't it?)

合格するのはかなり厳しいでしょう。(Passing will likely be quite tough/unlikely.)

Understanding kibishii requires sensing the 'pressure' inherent in the situation. Whether it is the pressure of a deadline, the pressure of a cold wind, or the pressure of a stern mentor, kibishii is the word that defines that lack of slack. In summary, it is an essential term for navigating Japanese social expectations and describing the realities of a challenging world.

As an i-adjective, kibishii follows standard Japanese grammatical patterns, but its versatility lies in the nouns it modifies and the contexts it completes. To use it effectively, one must understand how to conjugate it and where it fits in a sentence.

Basic Adjectival Use: Kibishii can directly precede a noun to describe its quality. For example, 'kibishii chichi' (a strict father) or 'kibishii joken' (strict conditions). This is the most straightforward usage for learners at the A2 level.

彼は厳しいトレーニングを毎日続けている。(He continues strict training every day.)

When ending a sentence, kibishii takes 'desu' in polite speech or stands alone in casual speech. To say 'It was strict,' you change the ending to 'kibishikatta.' For 'It is not strict,' use 'kibishiku nai' or 'kibishiku arimasen.'

Describing Abstract Situations: One of the most common uses in adult conversation is saying 'Sore wa kibishii desu ne,' which translates to 'That's a tough situation' or 'That's going to be difficult to achieve.' It is a polite way to express skepticism about a plan's success.

そのスケジュールで完成させるのは厳しいです。(Completing it on that schedule is tough/unrealistic.)

Kibishii is also used with the particle 'ni' to indicate what or who the strictness is directed toward. 'Kodomo ni kibishii' (strict with children) or 'kisoku ni kibishii' (strict about rules).

Comparative and Superlative: To say something is 'more strict,' use 'motto kibishii.' For 'the most strict,' use 'ichiban kibishii.' In formal documents, you might see 'gokkan' (severe cold), where 'kan' (cold) is combined with a kanji meaning extreme, but in spoken Japanese, 'kibishii samusa' is the standard.

去年に比べて、今年の冬は厳しい。(Compared to last year, this winter is severe.)

規則が厳しいので、ここではタバコを吸えません。(Since the rules are strict, you cannot smoke here.)

現実はそれほど甘くなく、むしろ厳しい。(Reality is not that sweet; rather, it is harsh.)

Using kibishii correctly involves matching the level of intensity to the context. In business, it's a professional way to describe challenges. In education, it describes high expectations. In nature, it describes the raw power of the climate. By mastering these patterns, you can express a wide range of 'tough' realities in Japanese.

Kibishii is a word that echoes through many corridors of Japanese life, from the quiet discipline of a tea ceremony room to the high-pressure environment of a Tokyo boardroom. Understanding where you will encounter it helps in grasping its cultural weight.

The Educational System: In Japanese schools, students often talk about 'kibishii sensei' (strict teachers) or 'kibishii bu-katsu' (strict club activities). Club activities, especially sports like baseball or kendo, are famous for their 'kibishii renshuu' (harsh training), which is seen as a way to build character (seishin-kitae).

あの部活の練習は本当に厳しいことで有名だ。(The practice of that club is famous for being really strict.)

Weather Forecasts: Every winter and summer, news anchors use kibishii to describe extreme temperatures. 'Kibishii zansho' refers to the lingering, severe heat of late summer. When you hear this on the news, it's a signal to take precautions against heatstroke or extreme cold.

明日は厳しい冷え込みになるでしょう。(Tomorrow will likely see a severe drop in temperature.)

The Business World: In corporate Japan, 'kibishii' is used to describe market conditions, competition, and performance reviews. A boss might say, 'Kotoshi no uriage wa kibishii' (This year's sales are tough/low). It is also used when a proposal is rejected: 'Sono joken de wa kibishii' (Under those conditions, it's difficult/unacceptable).

業界の競争が厳しいので、新しい戦略が必要です。(Since competition in the industry is fierce, a new strategy is necessary.)

予算が厳しいため、プロジェクトを縮小します。(Because the budget is tight, we will scale back the project.)

彼は自分に対して非常に厳しい。(He is very strict with himself.)

Whether it is the 'kibishii' look on a father's face or the 'kibishii' reality of a job hunt, this word is a constant reminder of the high standards and environmental challenges inherent in Japanese life. Listening for it will give you a deeper insight into the emotional and social climate of any conversation.

For English speakers, the word 'strict' is the most common translation for 'kibishii,' but relying solely on this can lead to awkward usage. 'Kibishii' covers a broader range of meanings, and mixing it up with similar-sounding or similar-meaning words is a frequent pitfall.

Confusing Kibishii with Kowai: A common mistake is using 'kowai' (scary) when you mean 'kibishii' (strict). While a strict teacher might be scary, 'kibishii' refers to their standards and discipline, whereas 'kowai' refers to the fear they instill. A teacher can be 'kibishii' but kind, but 'kowai' usually implies an intimidating presence.

Mistake: あの先生は怖いから、宿題を忘れないで。(That teacher is scary, so don't forget your homework.) - While grammatically correct, if you mean they have high standards, use 'kibishii'.

Kibishii vs. Muzukashii: Another pitfall is using 'muzukashii' (difficult) when 'kibishii' is more appropriate. 'Muzukashii' describes the complexity of a task (like a math problem). 'Kibishii' describes the harshness of the conditions or the unlikelihood of success due to external pressure.

Correct: この試験に受かるのは厳しい。(Passing this exam is [realistically] tough/unlikely.) - Use this when the odds are against you.

Overusing for 'Hard': Don't use 'kibishii' to describe physical hardness (like a rock). For that, use 'katai.' Also, don't use it for 'hard work' in the sense of 'taihen.' 'Taihen' is for personal exhaustion; 'kibishii' is for the rigor of the task itself.

Mistake: このパンは厳しい。(This bread is strict - Nonsense.) Correct: このパンは硬い (katai).

Mistake: 今日は仕事が厳しいでした。(Today's work was strict - Grammatically wrong and awkward). Correct: 今日は仕事が大変でした (taihen deshita).

Understanding these boundaries ensures you don't sound like you're personifying inanimate objects or mischaracterizing your feelings. Remember, 'kibishii' is about standards, severity, and pressure.

To truly master 'kibishii,' it is helpful to look at its synonyms and related terms to see where one ends and the other begins. Japanese has many words for 'strict' or 'hard,' each with its own flavor.

厳格 (Genkaku) - Formal Strictness: Genkaku is a na-adjective used in formal, written contexts. It refers to strictness in rules, laws, or principles. While 'kibishii' can be used for a person's personality, 'genkaku' is often used for the administration of rules.

その国は法律が厳格だ。(That country is strict [genkaku] with its laws.)

激しい (Hageshii) - Violent Intensity: When kibishii describes weather, it overlaps with 'hageshii.' However, 'hageshii' implies more movement or violence (like a heavy rain or a fierce battle). 'Kibishii' weather focuses on the difficulty of enduring the cold or heat.

激しい雨が降っている。(Violent rain is falling.) vs 厳しい冬。(A severe winter.)

辛い (Karai/Tsurai) - Harsh and Painful: 'Tsurai' is used for personal suffering or emotional pain. A 'kibishii' training might lead to a 'tsurai' feeling. In grading, 'karai' means giving low scores (stingy with points), which is a specific type of 'kibishii' behavior.

採点が辛い(karai)。(The grading is stingy/harsh.)

険しい (Kewashii) - Steep and Rugged: Often confused due to the similar sound, 'kewashii' specifically describes steep mountain paths or a grim, stern facial expression. While 'kibishii' can also describe a face, 'kewashii' implies a look of intense trouble or danger.

険しい山道を登る。(Climbing a steep/rugged mountain path.)

彼は険しい表情をしている。(He has a grim/stern expression.)

By comparing 'kibishii' with these alternatives, you can see it occupies a central space between formal rules (genkaku), physical intensity (hageshii), emotional pain (tsurai), and physical steepness (kewashii). It is the most versatile and commonly used term for describing the 'tough' side of life.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The kanji 厳 also appears in 'Genzou' (images/strictness) and 'Sougon' (sublime/solemn). It originally depicted a person shouting in a rocky valley, suggesting a powerful, echoing voice of authority.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /kɪˈbiː.ʃiː/

US /kɪˈbiː.ʃiː/

The stress is relatively even, but the final 'ii' is elongated.

Reimt sich auf

Oishii (delicious) Ureshii (happy) Kanashii (sad) Samushii (lonely) Sabishii (lonely) Isogashii (busy) Tanoshii (fun) Yashashii (easy/kind)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing it as 'kibishi' (too short) instead of 'kibishii'.
Confusing the 'bi' sound with 'pi'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

The kanji 厳 is common but has many strokes. The adjective itself is easy to read in hiragana.

Schreiben 3/5

The kanji 厳 is complex to write correctly from memory.

Sprechen 1/5

Very easy to pronounce and use in daily conversation.

Hören 1/5

Distinct sound, frequently used in news and drama.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

寒い (Samui) 強い (Tsuyoi) 先生 (Sensei) 冬 (Fuyu) ルール (Ruuru)

Als Nächstes lernen

厳格 (Genkaku) 激しい (Hageshii) 険しい (Kewashii) 辛い (Tsurai) 甘い (Amai)

Fortgeschritten

克己心 (Kokkishin - Self-control) 切磋琢磨 (Sessatukuma - Working hard together) 不撓不屈 (Futoufukutsu - Indomitable)

Wichtige Grammatik

i-adjective conjugation

厳しい -> 厳しくない -> 厳しかった -> 厳しくなかった

Adverbial form (-ku)

厳しく (kibishiku) + verb (e.g., 叱る - shikararu)

Noun + ni kibishii

時間に厳しい (strict about time)

Desu/Da for politeness

厳しいです (polite) / 厳しいだ (incorrect, just say '厳しい')

Sou desu (looks like)

厳しそうです (looks strict)

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Beispiele nach Niveau

私の父はとても厳しいです。

My father is very strict.

Basic i-adjective use as a predicate.

厳しい先生が好きですか。

Do you like strict teachers?

Modifying a noun directly.

冬の寒さは厳しいです。

The winter cold is severe.

Describing weather intensity.

テストは厳しくなかったです。

The test was not strict/hard.

Past negative form: kibishiku nakatta.

母は食べ物に厳しいです。

My mother is strict about food.

Using 'ni' to show the object of strictness.

厳しいルールがあります。

There are strict rules.

Noun modification.

昨日は厳しかったです。

Yesterday was tough/strict.

Past tense: kibishikatta.

あまり厳しくしないでください。

Please don't be too strict.

Adverbial form + suru.

この学校は校則が厳しい。

This school has strict school rules.

Subject + ga + Adjective.

合格するのは厳しいと思います。

I think it will be tough to pass.

Using 'kibishii' to mean 'unlikely' or 'very difficult'.

厳しい冬が来ます。

A severe winter is coming.

Standard noun modification.

時間に厳しい人です。

He is a person who is strict about time.

'Time' as the object of strictness.

仕事の条件が厳しいですね。

The job conditions are harsh, aren't they?

Describing abstract conditions.

自分に厳しい人は尊敬されます。

People who are strict with themselves are respected.

The concept of self-discipline.

厳しい練習に耐えました。

I endured the harsh practice.

Modifying 'renshuu' (practice).

その質問は厳しいです。

That question is tough (to answer).

Describing a difficult situation.

不況で、経営状況は非常に厳しい。

Due to the recession, the management situation is very severe.

Economic context.

彼は部下を厳しく指導した。

He coached his subordinates strictly.

Adverbial use: kibishiku.

厳しい社会を生き抜く力が必要です。

The power to survive in a harsh society is necessary.

Describing society as a whole.

予算が厳しいため、旅行は中止です。

Because the budget is tight, the trip is cancelled.

'Kibishii' meaning 'insufficient' or 'tight'.

厳しい批判を受けました。

I received harsh criticism.

Describing words or opinions.

あの山は道が厳しい。

That mountain has a harsh/difficult path.

Describing physical terrain.

礼儀に厳しいのが日本の文化です。

Being strict about etiquette is Japanese culture.

Cultural context.

現実はそんなに甘くない、厳しいものだ。

Reality isn't that sweet; it's a harsh thing.

Contrast with 'amai' (sweet/easy).

その納期を守るのは、正直厳しいです。

To be honest, meeting that deadline is tough/impossible.

Business skepticism/indirect refusal.

厳しい自然環境の中で育った植物。

Plants that grew in a severe natural environment.

Environmental context.

彼は自分に対しても他人に対しても厳しい。

He is strict with both himself and others.

Double 'ni' construction.

厳しい選考を勝ち抜いた。

I made it through the rigorous selection process.

Describing a competitive process.

厳しい寒波が日本列島を襲った。

A severe cold wave hit the Japanese archipelago.

Technical weather term.

彼の意見はいつも厳しいが、正しい。

His opinions are always harsh, but they are correct.

Describing the nature of feedback.

厳しいトレーニングメニューをこなす。

To complete a rigorous training menu.

Describing a plan or schedule.

この業界の競争は年々厳しくなっている。

The competition in this industry is getting tougher every year.

Describing a trend: kibishiku natte iru.

厳格な規律と厳しい訓練が、この軍隊の特徴だ。

Strict discipline and rigorous training are the characteristics of this army.

Using 'genkaku' and 'kibishii' together for emphasis.

厳しい現実に直面し、彼は決断を迫られた。

Facing a harsh reality, he was forced to make a decision.

Collocation: genjitsu ni chokumen suru.

その学説は、厳しい検証にさらされた。

That theory was subjected to rigorous verification.

Scientific/Academic context.

厳しい表情の裏に、優しさが隠れている。

Behind the stern expression, kindness is hidden.

Literary description of character.

自然の厳しさを知ることで、謙虚になれる。

By knowing the severity of nature, one can become humble.

Philosophical use.

厳しい財政状況を立て直す必要がある。

It is necessary to rebuild the severe financial situation.

Formal financial context.

厳しい言葉を投げかけられたが、それが励みになった。

I was pelted with harsh words, but that became my motivation.

Describing emotional impact.

プロの世界は甘くない、非常に厳しいところだ。

The professional world is not easy; it is an extremely harsh place.

General life philosophy.

その審議会では、極めて厳しい基準が設けられた。

In that council, extremely rigorous standards were established.

High-level institutional context.

厳しい冬の静寂が、辺りを包み込んでいた。

The silence of the severe winter enveloped the surroundings.

Literary/Poetic use.

彼は自らの過ちに対し、厳しい裁きを下した。

He handed down a severe judgment upon his own mistake.

Reflexive moral severity.

厳しい生存競争の中で、独自の進化を遂げた。

Within the harsh competition for survival, it achieved a unique evolution.

Biological/Technical context.

その作品は、厳しい美意識によって貫かれている。

That work is permeated by a rigorous aesthetic sense.

Artistic criticism.

厳しい冬を越えてこそ、春の暖かさが身に染みる。

It is only after overcoming a severe winter that the warmth of spring truly touches the soul.

Proverbial/Idiomatic expression.

厳しい論理的整合性が求められる論文だ。

It is a thesis where rigorous logical consistency is required.

Academic rigor.

未曾有の厳しい難局を乗り越える。

To overcome an unprecedentedly severe crisis.

Political/Formal rhetoric.

Häufige Kollokationen

厳しい先生

厳しい寒さ

厳しい状況

自分に厳しい

厳しいルール

厳しい練習

厳しい批判

厳しい現実

厳しい目

厳しい冬

Häufige Phrasen

それは厳しい

— That is tough or likely impossible. Used to reject ideas politely.

その予算では厳しいです。

自分に厳しい

— To have high standards for oneself. A positive trait in Japan.

プロとして自分に厳しい。

厳しい目で見守る

— To watch over someone strictly but with care.

親は子供を厳しい目で見守る。

厳しい寒波

— A severe cold wave. Common in weather reports.

厳しい寒波が来る。

厳しい審査

— A rigorous screening or judging process.

厳しい審査を通過した。

厳しい表情

— A stern or serious facial expression.

彼は厳しい表情で考えた。

厳しいしつけ

— Strict upbringing or discipline.

厳しいしつけを受けた。

厳しい意見

— A harsh or blunt opinion.

厳しい意見を言う。

厳しい道のり

— A tough journey or road ahead (literal or figurative).

完成までの道のりは厳しい。

厳しい自然

— Harsh nature/environment.

厳しい自然の中で生きる。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

厳しい vs 怖い (Kowai)

Kowai is the feeling of fear; Kibishii is the high standard or harsh condition.

厳しい vs 難しい (Muzukashii)

Muzukashii is complex/hard to solve; Kibishii is harsh/hard to endure or achieve.

厳しい vs 硬い (Katai)

Katai is physically hard (like a diamond); Kibishii is never used for physical hardness.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"自分に厳しく、他人に優しく"

— Be strict with oneself and kind to others. A moral ideal.

彼は自分に厳しく他人に優しい。

Moral/Proverbial

"厳しい冬を越す"

— To survive a difficult period (literal or figurative).

何とか厳しい冬を越した。

General

"厳しい洗礼を受ける"

— To undergo a 'baptism of fire' or a harsh initiation.

新入社員は厳しい洗礼を受けた。

Business/Metaphorical

"厳しい関門"

— A difficult barrier or hurdle to pass.

これが最後の厳しい関門だ。

General

"厳しい寒の入り"

— The start of the coldest season.

いよいよ厳しい寒の入りだ。

Seasonal

"厳しい現実に目覚める"

— To wake up to the harsh reality.

彼は厳しい現実に目覚めた。

Literary

"厳しい試練"

— A severe trial or ordeal.

これは神が与えた厳しい試練だ。

Spiritual/Literary

"厳しいノルマ"

— A strict or heavy quota/target.

毎月の厳しいノルマがある。

Business

"厳しい取り締まり"

— Strict enforcement or crackdown.

飲酒運転の厳しい取り締まり。

Legal/News

"厳しいしごき"

— Harsh training or hazing (often in sports).

先輩からの厳しいしごき。

Informal/Sports

Leicht verwechselbar

厳しい vs 険しい (Kewashii)

Similar sound and both can mean 'stern' for faces.

Kewashii is for steep mountains or facial expressions of distress. Kibishii is for standards and weather.

険しい山道 vs 厳しい冬

厳しい vs 強い (Tsuyoi)

Both can mean 'strong' in intensity.

Tsuyoi is power/strength. Kibishii is the difficulty/harshness caused by that strength.

風が強い (The wind is strong) vs 厳しい風 (A harsh/biting wind)

厳しい vs 激しい (Hageshii)

Both mean intense.

Hageshii is for movement/action (rain, battle). Kibishii is for conditions/standards (rules, cold).

激しい雨 vs 厳しい冬

厳しい vs 辛い (Tsurai)

Both describe 'tough' things.

Tsurai is the subjective pain/suffering. Kibishii is the objective harshness.

練習が厳しい (The practice is harsh) -> 練習が辛い (The practice is painful/hard for me)

厳しい vs 大変 (Taihen)

Both mean 'hard/difficult'.

Taihen is general hardship or 'a lot of work.' Kibishii is a lack of leniency or a high hurdle.

仕事が大変 (Work is busy/hard) vs 条件が厳しい (The conditions are strict/harsh)

Satzmuster

[Person] は厳しいです。

先生は厳しいです。

厳しい [Noun] です。

厳しい冬です。

[Noun] が厳しいです。

ルールが厳しいです。

[Activity] は厳しいと思います。

合格は厳しいと思います。

[Person] に厳しいです。

子供に厳しいです。

厳しく [Verb]。

厳しく教える。

[Situation] のため、厳しい。

不況のため、経営が厳しい。

厳しい [Noun] に直面する。

厳しい現実に直面する。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

厳しさ (Kibishisa - Strictness/Severity)

厳格 (Genkaku - Rigidity)

Verben

厳しくする (Kibishiku suru - To make strict)

厳しめる (Kibishimeru - Rare/archaic for tightening)

Adjektive

厳しい (Kibishii - Strict)

Verwandt

厳重 (Genjuu)

厳正 (Gensei)

過酷 (Kakoku)

荘厳 (Sougon)

謹厳 (Kingen)

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Very high in daily speech, news, and business.

Häufige Fehler

Kibishii da. → Kibishii. / Kibishii desu.
'Kibishii' is an i-adjective, so it doesn't take 'da' directly.
Kowai sensei (when meaning strict). → Kibishii sensei.
'Kowai' means scary. A strict teacher might not be scary, just demanding.
Kibishii pan (for hard bread). → Katai pan.
'Kibishii' is not for physical hardness.
Kibishiku nai deshita. → Kibishiku nakatta desu.
The past negative of i-adjectives is 'ku nakatta desu.'
Muzukashii fuyu. → Kibishii fuyu.
While winter is hard, 'kibishii' is the standard word for severe weather.

Tipps

I-Adjective Rule

Remember that 'kibishii' is an i-adjective. Never say 'kibishii da.' Just say 'kibishii' or 'kibishii desu.'

The Love of Strictness

In Japan, being 'kibishii' is often a sign of respect for the task or the person's potential. Don't take it personally!

Polite Rejection

If a Japanese person says 'kibishii' about your request, they are likely saying 'no.' Don't push too hard.

Winter Vocabulary

'Kibishii samusa' is the standard way to describe a bone-chilling cold day in Japanese media.

Jibun ni Kibishii

Try using this phrase to describe your dedication to learning Japanese! 'Jibun ni kibishiku benkyou shimasu.'

Kibishii vs Kitsui

'Kitsui' is more about physical or emotional strain ('This is exhausting'). 'Kibishii' is more about the standard or severity ('This is strict').

Kanji Practice

The kanji 厳 has 17 strokes. Practice the 'cliff' radical at the top first.

Tone Matters

A short, sharp 'Kibishii!' often expresses that a situation has suddenly become very difficult.

Queen Bee

Remember the 'Kibishii Bee' who is a strict queen of the hive.

Adverb Usage

Use 'kibishiku' before verbs like 'shikaru' (scold) or 'oshieru' (teach) to describe the manner.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'Key' (Ki) that is 'Bee' (Bi) 'She' (Shii) - A bee that is a strict queen and keeps the key to the hive rules. She is a Kibishii Bee!

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a teacher with a long ruler and a very straight back, or a person standing in a blizzard with a determined face.

Word Web

Strict Teacher Severe Winter Harsh Reality Tight Budget Tough Training Stern Face Rigid Rules Hard Situation

Herausforderung

Try to find three things today that you can describe as 'kibishii.' Is the weather cold? Is your boss demanding? Is a video game level hard? Say 'Kibishii!' each time.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the ancient Japanese word 'kibi,' which referred to a state of being tight, tense, or minute. Over time, it evolved to describe the 'tightness' of rules or the 'intensity' of weather.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Tight, tense, or narrow.

Japonic

Kultureller Kontext

Avoid calling a superior 'kibishii' directly to their face unless you are thanking them for their guidance, as it might sound like a complaint.

In English, 'strict' often has a negative connotation of being mean. In Japanese, 'kibishii' is more neutral and often positive, implying high standards.

'Kibishii' is often used in Shonen Manga to describe the training arcs of heroes. Weather anchors use it daily during 'Gokkan' (extreme cold) periods. Business leaders use it to describe the 'Lost Decades' of the Japanese economy.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Education

厳しい先生 (Strict teacher)
厳しい校則 (Strict school rules)
厳しく指導する (To guide strictly)
厳しい採点 (Strict grading)

Weather

厳しい寒さ (Severe cold)
厳しい冬 (Severe winter)
厳しい残暑 (Severe late summer heat)
厳しい天候 (Severe weather)

Business

厳しい予算 (Tight budget)
厳しい納期 (Strict deadline)
厳しい状況 (Severe situation)
厳しい競争 (Fierce competition)

Sports

厳しい練習 (Harsh training)
厳しいコース (Difficult course)
厳しい攻め (Fierce attack)
厳しい判定 (Strict judgment)

Personality

自分に厳しい (Strict with oneself)
しつけが厳しい (Strict upbringing)
厳しい目 (Stern eyes)
厳しい父親 (Strict father)

Gesprächseinstiege

"最近、仕事の状況はどうですか？厳しいですか？ (How is work lately? Is it tough?)"

"あなたの国で一番厳しいルールは何ですか？ (What is the strictest rule in your country?)"

"子供の頃、お父さんは厳しかったですか？ (Was your father strict when you were a child?)"

"今年の冬は厳しくなると思いますか？ (Do you think this winter will be severe?)"

"自分に厳しい方ですか、それとも甘い方ですか？ (Are you strict with yourself or easy on yourself?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今日、自分が『厳しい』と感じた瞬間を書いてください。 (Write about a moment today when you felt something was 'kibishii'.)

厳しい先生についてどう思いますか？良いことですか？ (What do you think about strict teachers? Is it a good thing?)

あなたが自分に厳しくしていることは何ですか？ (What is something you are strict with yourself about?)

厳しい環境で育つことのメリットとデメリットは何ですか？ (What are the pros and cons of growing up in a harsh environment?)

もしあなたがリーダーなら、メンバーに厳しくしますか？ (If you were a leader, would you be strict with your members?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, you should use 'karai' for spicy. However, 'karai' can also mean 'strict' in grading, which is a specific type of 'kibishii.'

Not at all. A 'kibishii' teacher is often seen as someone who cares deeply about their students' growth. It implies high standards.

You say 'Kare wa watashi ni kibishii desu.' (彼は私に厳しいです。)

'Kibishii' is common in spoken Japanese and covers weather/situations. 'Genkaku' is a formal word used mainly for rules and laws in writing.

In business, saying 'Sore wa kibishii desu' is a common indirect way to say 'That is impossible' or 'I can't do that.'

Drop the final 'i' and add 'katta': Kibishikatta (厳しかった).

No, use 'katai' for physical hardness. 'Kibishii' is for abstract or environmental severity.

Yes, 'kibishii kyousou' is a very common phrase.

'Amai' (sweet/lenient) or 'Yasashii' (kind/gentle).

Usually 'kewashii' is used for steepness, but 'kibishii' can be used if the climb is very grueling and harsh.

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