苛 烈(かれつ)

かれつ

na-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

Related Words

Compare: 激烈(げきれつ) (violent, fierce)

Compare: 過酷(かこく) (harsh, severe)

Compare: 熾烈(しれつ) (fierce, intense)

Compare: 厳(きび)しい (strict, severe)

general

Added 2026.3.31 6:36 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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