ho1 hak1苛刻
Jyutpingho1 hak1
Yalehō hāk
Definition
Harsh, severe, or overly demanding.
neutraldescriptionswork
How it's used
Used primarily to describe conditions, requirements, or treatment that exceed reasonable limits. It carries a strong sense of unfairness or lack of empathy, often implying that the person imposing these conditions is being intentionally difficult or stingy. While it can apply to people, it is more frequently used to describe abstract concepts like contracts, rules, or demands.
Examples
He is very harsh with his employees and always makes them work overtime.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse this with 刻薄, which is more commonly used to describe a person's personality or behavior as being mean-spirited or uncharitable. 苛刻 focuses more on the severity of external demands or standards rather than the character of the individual.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
