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March 24, 2026
苛kē(ke1)
The character 苛 (kē) describes a state of being severe or harsh, often in terms of criticism or demands. It is commonly used to convey the idea of rigorous standards or exacting expectations, particularly in contexts that involve discipline or judgment.
Strokes8Radical艹Frequency#17213DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture,苛 (kē) reflects societal values around discipline and rigor, especially in education and traditional practices, where high expectations are often placed on individuals.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strict teacher with a cane (苛) demanding perfection from students. The radical '艹' (cǎo) suggests plants, which the teacher might inspect for every tiny imperfection, symbolizing their harshness.
Meanings of 苛
kē(ke1)
1severe, harsh; rigorous, exacting
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 苛
苛Simplified
8Strokes
艹Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 苛
Podcast: 苛
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AI Study Notes for 苛
Quick Contrast
苛 (kē) vs 严 (yán) — use 苛 for severity in criticism or demands, while 严 emphasizes strictness or seriousness in a broader sense.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a strict teacher with a cane (苛) demanding perfection from students. The radical '艹' (cǎo) suggests plants, which the teacher might inspect for every tiny imperfection, symbolizing their harshness.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 苛 with other characters that have similar meanings, such as 严 (yán), which means strict but can have a more supportive connotation. It is more commonly used in formal contexts, especially in written language.
HSK Study Tips
While 苛 is not included in HSK levels, understanding its meaning can enhance vocabulary related to criticism and discipline. Focus on similar characters like 严 (strict) and 刻 (to carve) to build connections.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture,苛 (kē) reflects societal values around discipline and rigor, especially in education and traditional practices, where high expectations are often placed on individuals.
Common Mistakes
Learners may mistakenly use 苛 (kē) in casual contexts where a milder term like 严 (yán) would be more appropriate. For example, saying '苛的老师' (kē de lǎoshī) instead of '严厉的老师' (yánlì de lǎoshī) for 'strict teacher' can sound overly harsh.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 苛
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Grammar Patterns of 苛
苛 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他是个____刻的批评家，但却是个非常善良的人。
He was a stern critic but an extremely kindly man.
Example Sentences for 苛 (7)
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1
他是个苛刻的批评家，但却是个非常善良的人。
tā shì gè kē kè de pī píng jiā， ， dàn què shì gè fēi cháng shàn liáng de。
He was a stern critic but an extremely kindly man.
Be a little easier on yourself and enjoy yourself more.
5
苛刻的房东向我们榨取重租.
kē kè de fáng dōng xiàng wǒ mén zhà qǔ zhòng zū.
Hard landlords racked us with high rents.
6
别太苛刻。
bié tài kē kè。
Don't be uncharitable.
7
那户人家的家长贾瓦德先生治家严苛，名闻乡里。
nà hù rén jiā de jiā cháng jiǎ wǎ dé xiān shēng zhì jiā yán kē， ， míng wén xiāng。
The patriarch of the house, Mr Jawad, rules it with a ferocity renowned throughout the neighbourhood.
Cultural Notes for 苛
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture,苛 (kē) reflects societal values around discipline and rigor, especially in education and traditional practices, where high expectations are often placed on individuals.
Word Family of 苛
Words Containing This Character8
苛刻kēkèharsh
苛kēsevere
苛求demanding
苛责to excoriate苛責
严苛severe嚴苛
苛捐杂税exorbitant taxation (idiom)苛捐雜稅
苛性钠caustic soda苛性鈉
苛性钾caustic potash苛性鉀
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 苛刻 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 苛
You might say 苛刻的要求 (kēkè de yāoqiú) which means 'exacting demands'.
No, it usually has a negative connotation, implying something overly harsh or severe.
