Translation guide
The English word "strict" can describe rules, people, or standards. In Japanese, different words are used depending on whether you mean rigorous enforcement, a severe person, or precise adherence.
Describing rules, laws, or systems that are rigidly enforced with little flexibility.
The most common and versatile word for 'strict'. Used for rules, discipline, training, and people.
この学校は校則が厳しい。
This school has strict rules.
彼は厳しい上司だ。
He is a strict boss.
More formal than 厳しい, emphasizing strictness in enforcing rules or standards. Often used for policies, inspections, or upbringing.
厳格な規則が適用される。
Strict regulations are applied.
彼は子供に厳格だった。
He was strict with his children.
Used for strict security, surveillance, or precautions. Implies thoroughness and severity in protective measures.
空港の警備は厳重だ。
Airport security is strict.
Describing a person who is harsh, unforgiving, or exacting in their expectations.
Again the most common choice. Can describe a strict teacher, parent, or boss.
母は私にとても厳しかった。
My mother was very strict with me.
Literally 'scary', but often used colloquially to mean 'strict' or 'intimidating' when referring to a person.
Means 'severely strict' or 'harsh', often used for criticism or scolding.
Emphasizing that something is done exactly according to rules, without deviation.
Means 'rigorous' or 'strict' in the sense of precise, exact, or meticulous. Used for definitions, interpretations, or procedures.
厳密な意味では、それは正しくない。
In the strict sense, that is not correct.
厳密に言うと、彼は社員ではない。
Strictly speaking, he is not an employee.
Literally 'according to the rules', used to describe doing something strictly by the book.
彼は規則通りに行動する。
He acts strictly according to the rules.
Describing a disciplined, often self-imposed, strict routine.
Works for strict diets, training schedules, etc.
彼は厳しい食事制限をしている。
He is on a strict diet.
Loanword from 'stoic', used to describe someone who is rigorously self-disciplined, especially in training or lifestyle.
彼はストイックなトレーニングを続けている。
He continues his strict training regimen.
厳しい (kibishii) is the general word for strict and can be used for people, rules, weather, etc. 厳格 (genkaku) is more formal and emphasizes strictness in enforcing rules or moral standards. 厳密 (genmitsu) means strict in the sense of precise or exact, often used for definitions or scientific contexts.
The phrase 'strictly speaking' is 厳密に言うと (genmitsu ni iu to), not 厳しく言うと. Using 厳しい here would sound unnatural.
父はマナーに厳しい。
My father is strict about manners.
その会社は服装規定が厳しい。
The company has a strict dress code.
That teacher is strict/scary.
彼は手厳しい批評をした。
He gave a strict/harsh critique.