N1
かこく (kakoku)
苛酷
harsh; severe; rigorous; cruel
💡 Nuance & Usage:
Expresses extreme severity or strictness, often implying difficulty or unfairness. Can be used for conditions, treatment, or circumstances. 「苛酷な環境」「苛酷な尋問」のように使われます。
📝 Example Sentences
彼は苛酷な労働条件の下で働かされている。
He is forced to work under harsh labor conditions.
Practice Quiz
Test your understanding of "苛酷"!
砂漠でのサバイバルは、想像を絶する_______な環境だった。
🎉 正解 / Correct!
日本語: 砂漠の環境は「想像を絶する」ほど「厳しい」ため、「苛酷」が適切である。
English: The desert environment is 'harsh' (kakoku) to an unimaginable degree, making it the appropriate choice.
English: The desert environment is 'harsh' (kakoku) to an unimaginable degree, making it the appropriate choice.
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