Translation guide
The English word "harsh" covers several distinct meanings: severe/cruel, rough/unpleasant to the senses, and overly critical. Japanese uses different words for each nuance.
Describing treatment, punishment, rules, or conditions that are very difficult, strict, or cruel.
The most common and versatile word for 'harsh' in the sense of strict, severe, or tough. Used for rules, discipline, criticism, conditions, etc.
彼の罰は厳しすぎる。
His punishment is too harsh.
この冬は厳しい寒さだ。
This winter has harsh cold.
Emphasizes extreme severity, often with a nuance of cruelty or unbearableness. Used for conditions, labor, or treatment.
過酷な労働条件に抗議した。
They protested against the harsh working conditions.
Specifically for harsh criticism or remarks that are sharp and cutting.
彼の辛辣な批判に傷ついた。
I was hurt by his harsh criticism.
Describing something that feels rough, sounds grating, looks glaring, or tastes sharp/unpleasant.
Specifically for harsh or grating sounds.
その警報は耳障りな音を出す。
The alarm makes a harsh sound.
For rough texture or coarse surfaces. Can also describe rough manner or crude quality.
この布は手触りが粗い。
This cloth has a harsh texture.
Describes harsh, glaring light that is dazzling or unpleasant.
ギラギラした日差しで目が痛い。
The harsh sunlight hurts my eyes.
For harsh chemicals, strong tastes, or anything that is irritating to the body.
この洗剤は刺激が強いので手袋をしてください。
This detergent is harsh, so please wear gloves.
Describing a person's manner, words, or tone that is unkind, severe, or lacking gentleness.
Means severely critical or scathing, often used for feedback or comments.
上司から手厳しい評価を受けた。
I received a harsh evaluation from my boss.
Literally 'thorny', used for remarks that are barbed or cutting.
彼女のとげのある言い方に腹が立った。
I got angry at her harsh way of speaking.
Means merciless or relentless; can describe harsh criticism or treatment.
彼は容赦ない言葉で相手を責めた。
He attacked his opponent with harsh words.
While 厳しい (kibishii) is the most common translation for 'harsh', it is not used for rough textures. Use 粗い (arai) for rough surfaces, or ざらざらした (zarazara shita) for gritty textures.
厳しい (kibishii) is the general word for strict or severe. 過酷な (kakoku na) implies extreme, almost unbearable harshness, often used for conditions like weather or labor.