harsh

S2 W2

in Vietnamese Khắc nghiệt, gay gắt

BrE /hɑːʃ/ AmE /hɑːrʃ/

adjective en → vi

1 STRONG/SEVERE [attributive / predicative] B1

Khắc nghiệt, gay gắt

severe or unpleasant, especially in a way that is not kind or gentle

  • a harsh climate/weather

Collocations harsh criticism · harsh conditions

  • The weather was so harsh that we had to stay indoors.

    Thời tiết khắc nghiệt đến nỗi chúng tôi phải ở trong nhà.

2 ROUGH [attributive / predicative] B1

Khô ráp, thô cứng

not soft or smooth, especially in a way that is unpleasant to touch or feel

  • a harsh surface

Collocations harsh fabric · harsh texture

  • The bark of the tree was very harsh to touch.

    Vỏ cây rất thô ráp khi chạm vào.

3 STERN [attributive / predicative] B1

Cứng rắn, nghiêm khắc

not kind or gentle, especially when talking about a person's attitude or behavior

  • a harsh tone

Collocations harsh words · harsh punishment

  • She spoke to him in a very harsh manner.

    Cô ấy nói chuyện với anh ta một cách rất nghiêm khắc.

1 LAW [attributive / predicative] B2

Khắc khe, nghiêm ngặt

severe or strict, especially when talking about laws or rules

  • harsh law

Collocations harsh penalties · harsh regulations

  • The new laws are very harsh on drug offenders.

    Các luật mới rất khắc khe với những người phạm tội ma túy.

2 VOICE [attributive / predicative] B2

Giọng điệu khó nghe

having a voice that is not pleasant to hear, often because it sounds rough or unpleasant

  • a harsh voice

Collocations harsh tone of voice · harsh sound

  • He had a very harsh voice that made people uncomfortable.

    Anh ấy có giọng điệu rất khó nghe khiến người khác cảm thấy không thoải mái.