厳しい
kibishii[kʲibʲiɕii]
The English phrase 'strict' is translated into Japanese as 厳しい (kibishii).
厳しい is a general term used to describe someone as strict. It can also be used to describe harsh or severe conditions, such as a 厳しい冬 (a harsh winter). While it often refers to a strictness based on rules or standards, it can also carry a nuance of harshness or severity that 'strict' in English might not always imply.
Which one should you use?
厳格な is a formal way to say 'strict' used to describe someone who is strict in their principles and follows rules diligently. For time or schedules, the informal term タイトな is often used. The informal term シビアな can also be used to refer to someone as strict.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective 厳しい can change form depending on how it is used in a sentence. To use it as an adverb to modify a verb, change it to 厳しく (strictly). To turn the adjective into a noun meaning 'strictness,' change the final -i to -sa to form 厳しさ.
How do you pronounce it?
kibishii
Did you know?
Examples in context
- 彼は厳格な先生ですHe is a strict teacher
- 私の上司は極めて厳しいですMy boss is extremely strict
- 奥さんは厳しい人ですMy wife is a strict person
- 上司はタイトな納期管理をしていますMy manager is strict about deadlines
- 彼はシビアなトレーナーですHe is a strict trainer
- あの先生はとても厳しい。Ano sensei wa totemo kibishii.That teacher is very strict.
- 父はルールに厳しい。Chichi wa rūru ni kibishii.My father is strict about rules.
- 厳しい環境で育った。Kibishii kankyō de sodatta.I grew up in a strict environment.
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are talking about their parents.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮さんの親は厳しいですか？Ren-san no oya wa kibishii desu ka?Are your parents strict, Ren?
- 蓮 Renはい、特に母が厳しいです。Hai, tokuni haha ga kibishii desu.Yes, especially my mother is strict.
- 美咲 Misakiそれは大変ですね。Sore wa taihen desu ne.That must be tough.
- 蓮 Renでも、今は感謝しています。Demo, ima wa kansha shite imasu.But I am grateful for it now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 厳しい, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 厳しい, CC BY-SA 4.0.
