How to Say "harshness" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “harshness” is “dureza” — use 'dureza' when referring to a person's tough or unkind behavior, or the unpleasantly sharp or severe quality of their words or tone..
dureza
/doo-REH-sah//duˈɾesa/
Examples
Me sorprendió la dureza de sus palabras.
I was surprised by the harshness of her words.
Los soldados soportaron la dureza del invierno.
The soldiers endured the severity of the winter.
La dureza de la vida en la montaña es increíble.
The hardship of mountain life is incredible.
Abstract Meanings
Just like in English, physical words are often used to describe feelings. 'Dureza' works exactly like 'toughness' or 'hardness' in a figurative way.
Avoid 'Severidad' for everything
Mistake: “La severidad del clima.”
Correction: While correct, 'la dureza del clima' sounds more natural when emphasizing how hard it is to survive it.
rigor
/ree-GOHR//riˈɡoɾ/
Examples
Los exploradores no estaban preparados para el rigor del invierno polar.
The explorers were not prepared for the harshness of the polar winter.
La ley debe aplicarse con todo su rigor.
The law must be applied with its full severity.
El rigor de la disciplina militar es muy conocido.
The strictness of military discipline is well known.
Abstract Noun Usage
This word is an abstract noun, meaning it describes an idea or quality rather than a physical object. Like most abstract nouns in Spanish ending in -or, it is masculine.
Confusing Noun and Adjective
Mistake: “Él es muy rigor.”
Correction: Él es muy riguroso.
Dureza vs. Rigor
Related Translations
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