Meaning
苛刻 describes conditions, requirements, or people that are unreasonably strict, harsh, or demanding. It carries a negative connotation, suggesting that standards or treatment go beyond what is fair or reasonable. The word is commonly used to criticize overly severe rules, harsh criticism, or people who make excessive demands on others.
Usage
Native speakers use 苛刻 primarily in written or formal contexts to describe unreasonable strictness. It frequently appears with words like 要求 (requirements), 条件 (conditions), or 批评 (criticism). While it can describe people, it more often describes their behavior, standards, or the conditions they impose. The tone is distinctly negative and judgmental.
Examples
- 01他对员工的要求太苛刻了，很多人都受不了。, .His requirements for employees are too harsh; many people can't stand it.
- 02这份合同的条件过于苛刻，我们无法接受。, .The conditions of this contract are excessively harsh; we cannot accept them.
Characters
Common collocations
- 苛刻的要求harsh requirements
- 苛刻的条件harsh conditions
- 过于苛刻overly harsh
- 苛刻的批评harsh criticism
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters independently carry meanings of severity and harshness. 苛 originally referred to oppressive taxes or laws, while 刻 means to carve or engrave, suggesting something rigid and unforgiving. Together they intensify the sense of excessive strictness.