Translation guide
The English adverb "harshly" describes actions done in a severe, cruel, or unkind manner, or in a way that is physically rough or grating. Japanese expresses this through various adverbs and verb forms depending on whether the harshness is verbal, physical, or sensory.
To describe words, tone, or criticism that is sharp, severe, or lacking gentleness.
The most common and versatile adverb for 'harshly' in the sense of strictness or severity. Used for scolding, criticizing, or judging.
先生は生徒を厳しく叱った。
The teacher scolded the student harshly.
He harshly criticized his own mistake.
Emphasizes a sharp, unsparing manner of criticism or scolding. Stronger than 厳しく.
上司は彼の提案を手厳しく批判した。
The boss harshly criticized his proposal.
Used for remarks or criticism that are biting, acerbic, or caustic. Often used in written or formal contexts.
評論家はその映画を辛辣に批評した。
The critic reviewed the movie harshly.
Means 'mercilessly' or 'without pardon'. Implies no holding back in criticism or attack.
彼は相手のミスを容赦なく指摘した。
He pointed out the opponent's mistakes harshly.
Can mean 'harshly' in the sense of 'terribly' or 'awfully', but is more general. Often used for degree rather than manner.
彼は部下を酷く叱った。
He scolded his subordinate harshly.
To describe actions that are unkind, oppressive, or lacking compassion.
Literally 'coldly', but commonly used for treating someone harshly in an emotional or interpersonal sense.
彼女は彼を冷たくあしらった。
She treated him harshly.
Used for treating someone terribly or cruelly. Often implies unfairness.
彼は友達に酷く扱われた。
He was treated harshly by his friend.
Means 'mercilessly' or 'pitilessly'. Strong and somewhat literary.
王は反逆者を無慈悲に処刑した。
The king harshly executed the rebels.
To describe physical actions that are forceful, rough, or damaging.
Means 'violently' or 'intensely'. Used for physical actions like hitting, shaking, or weather.
彼はドアを激しく閉めた。
He shut the door harshly.
風が激しく吹いている。
The wind is blowing harshly.
Means 'roughly' or 'violently'. Implies lack of care or aggression.
彼は荷物を乱暴に扱った。
He handled the luggage harshly.
Means 'roughly' with hands, often implying physical harshness or violence.
警察は容疑者を手荒く逮捕した。
The police arrested the suspect harshly.
To describe sensory experiences that are jarring, glaring, or severe.
Specifically for sounds that are harsh to the ear. An adjective, often used with 音 or 声.
その機械は耳障りな音を立てた。
The machine made a harsh sound.
For light that is harsh or glaring. Adjective.
夏の日差しが眩しくて目が痛い。
The summer sunlight is so harsh it hurts my eyes.
Can describe harsh conditions like weather, environment, or criticism. Adjective.
Means 'severe' or 'grueling', used for extremely harsh conditions or treatment.
彼らは過酷な環境で働いている。
They work in harsh conditions.
厳しく is the most general and neutral for 'strictly' or 'severely'. 辛辣に is specifically for biting, sarcastic remarks. 手厳しく implies a sharp, unsparing verbal attack, stronger than 厳しく.
English 'harsh' for light or sound often corresponds to specific adjectives in Japanese (眩しい for light, 耳障りな for sound) rather than a single adverb. Using 厳しく for light would be unnatural.
彼はその子に厳しく言った。
He spoke harshly to the child.
光が眩しくて目が疲れた。
The light was harsh on my eyes.
この地域の冬は厳しい。
The winter in this region is harsh.