Definition
苛刻 (kē kè) describes conditions, rules, or demands that are excessively harsh and often unfair, going beyond what is reasonable. This sets it apart from 严厉 (yán lì 'strict, severe'), which focuses on strict enforcement or a person's stern attitude, and from 严峻 (yán jùn 'severe, grim'), which describes a grave situation (e.g., a challenge or crisis).
adjective
harshseveredemanding (about conditions, rules, or requirements)
Examples
- 苛刻，。Gōngsī zhìdìng de chéngfá zhìdù guòyú kē kè, yuángōng pǔbiàn bùmǎn.The company's punishment system is too harsh, and employees are generally dissatisfied.
- 苛刻。Zhè wèi kèhù duì zhìliàng jiǎnyàn de biāozhǔn fēicháng kē kè.This customer's standards for quality inspection are very severe.
- 苛刻，。Zài kē kè de tiáojiàn xià, tuánduì réngrán wánchéng le rènwu.Under harsh conditions, the team still completed the task.
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