About
As a phono-semantic compound, 苛 combines the grass radical 艹 on top, indicating its plant-related origin, with the phonetic component 可 below. Its earliest meaning referred to a type of small, troublesome weed. From the notion of such irritating plants being hard to remove, the sense evolved to describe human conduct that is excessively strict, harsh, or demanding. In modern usage, it primarily functions as an adjective for severe policies, rigid rules, or individuals who are overly critical and nitpick to make things difficult for others.
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。