苛烈(かれつ)

かれつ
adjective
fierce; severe; intense; harsh
1. fierce; severe; intense; harsh; relentless
Extremely intense or severe, suggesting something that is merciless and unsparing. Used for competition, criticism, conditions, or struggles that are exceptionally tough.
苛烈(かれつ)な競争(きょうそう)が続(つづ)く。
Fierce competition continues.
苛烈(かれつ)を極(きわ)める戦(たたか)いだった。
It was an extremely fierce battle.
彼女(かのじょ)は苛烈(かれつ)な批判(ひはん)にさらされながらも、自分(じぶん)の信念(しんねん)を貫(つらぬ)いた。
Despite being subjected to harsh criticism, she held fast to her convictions.

A な-adjective composed of 苛(か) (harsh, severe) + 烈(れつ) (intense, fierce). A literary, somewhat formal word that conveys extreme intensity or harshness. Often appears in written language, news, and historical descriptions.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 苛烈(かれつ)な競争(きょうそう): fierce competition
  • 苛烈(かれつ)な批判(ひはん): harsh criticism
  • 苛烈(かれつ)な戦(たたか)い: fierce battle
  • 苛烈(かれつ)を極(きわ)める: to be extremely fierce/intense
  • 苛烈(かれつ)な環境(かんきょう): harsh environment

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 激烈(げきれつ): violent, fierce — similar intensity, more commonly used
  • 過酷(かこく): harsh, severe — often for conditions or treatment
  • 熾烈(しれつ): fierce, intense — very close synonym, especially for competition
  • 厳(きび)しい: strict, severe — more everyday and versatile
general
Added 2026.3.31 6:36
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