The Vietnamese word "khắt khe" is an adjective that describes someone or something that is strict, severe, or demanding. It often refers to a person’s attitude or a set of rules that are rigid and leave little room for flexibility or leniency.
Cô giáo của tôi rất khắt khe với học sinh.
(My teacher is very strict with students.)
Nhà tuyển dụng này có yêu cầu khắt khe về kinh nghiệm làm việc.
(This employer has strict requirements regarding work experience.)
While "khắt khe" primarily means strict or austere, in some contexts, it can imply a lack of compassion or warmth. For example, a khắt khe parent may be seen as overly demanding, potentially impacting their child's emotional well-being.