About
The character "苛" is structured with the grass radical (艹) positioned above the phonetic component "可", a formation that originally linked it to the realm of vegetation, particularly suggesting the idea of small or numerous grasses. Its early meanings were botanical, but through metaphorical application, the term gradually came to embody the concept of oppressive density or troublesome intricacy, much like entangled weeds. This semantic shift led to its adoption in describing rigorous, unjust, or severely demanding conditions, as seen in classical Chinese literature where it characterized harsh governance or exacting standards. In contemporary usage, this evolved sense remains central, with the character consistently conveying notions of severity and strictness within various compounds.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他对员工很苛刻。
老板的要求过于苛刻。
这项规定显得十分苛酷。
别对自己有太多苛求。
古代有些赋税非常苛重。
她苛责自己每一个小错误。
在这种苛严的环境下很难成长。
他内心苛烈的自我批判从未停止。