Definitions

severe; exacting

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "苛" is structured with the grass radical (艹) positioned above the component "可", a form that has consistently represented its core conception. Etymologically, it originated from the idea of overgrown or oppressive grass, conveying a sense of natural harshness. This meaning later shifted to describe severe human conduct, such as exacting demands or strict regulations, extending its application from physical environments to abstract qualities like rigor in judgment or administration. The character's semantic expansion is evident in its use within compounds referring to critical severity or oppressive systems, illustrating a transition from denoting tangible abundance to embodying abstract strictness.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他对员工很刻。

Tā duì yuángōng hěn kēkè.

He is very harsh towards his employees.

老板的要求过于刻。

Lǎobǎn de yāoqiú guòyú kēkè.

The boss's demands are excessively苛刻.

这项规定显得十分酷。

Zhè xiàng guīdìng xiǎnde shífēn kēkù.

This rule appears extremely harsh and severe.

别对自己有太多求。

Bié duì zìjǐ yǒu tài duō kēqiú.

Don't make too many exacting demands on yourself.

古代有些赋税非常重。

Gǔdài yǒuxiē fùshuì fēicháng kēzhòng.

Some taxes in ancient times were extremely heavy and oppressive.

责自己每一个小错误。

Tā kēzé zìjǐ měi yī gè xiǎo cuòwù.

She severely reproaches herself for every small mistake.

在这种严的环境下很难成长。

Zài zhè zhǒng kēyán de huánjìng xià hěn nán chéngzhǎng.

It's difficult to grow up in such a strict and harsh environment.

他内心烈的自我批判从未停止。

Tā nèixīn kēliè de zìwǒ pīpàn cóng wèi tíngzhǐ.

The severe self-criticism within his heart never stops.