厳しい

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 厳しい is read as きびしい and is an i-adjective meaning strict in standards or severe and harsh in conditions.
• Basic usage: A person strict about manners appears in 礼儀に厳しい人, while severe cold appears in 厳しい寒さ.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• People and conditions
  • Context distinguishes strictness about a standard from severe weather or conditions.
• Difference from 難しい
  • Unlike the word for something difficult to understand or solve, this term describes strict standards or harsh conditions.