How to Say "strict" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “strict” is “estricto” — use this word when referring to a person who demands adherence to rules or a specific way of behaving, often related to time or duties.
estricto
es-TREEK-tohesˈtrikto
Examples
Mi padre es muy estricto con la hora de volver a casa.
My father is very strict about the time I have to come home.
Para perder peso, ella sigue una dieta muy estricta.
To lose weight, she follows a very strict diet.
En sentido estricto, esa no es la respuesta correcta.
In a literal sense, that is not the correct answer.
Changing for Gender
This word needs to match the thing it describes. Use 'estricto' for masculine words like 'padre' and 'estricta' for feminine words like 'regla'.
Where to put it
Usually, you place 'estricto' right after the noun you are describing, such as 'un profesor estricto' (a strict teacher).
Strict vs. Tight
Mistake: “Llevo unos pantalones muy estrictos.”
Correction: Llevo unos pantalones muy apretados. Use 'estricto' for behavior or rules; use 'apretado' for clothes that are too small.
severo
seh-BEH-rohseˈbeɾo
Examples
Mi abuelo era un hombre muy severo pero nos quería mucho.
My grandfather was a very strict man but he loved us a lot.
El juez dictó una sentencia severa contra el criminal.
The judge handed down a harsh sentence against the criminal.
Las reglas del internado son muy severas.
The rules of the boarding school are very strict.
Adjective Agreement
Like most adjectives ending in 'o', it must change to 'severa' when describing feminine things (una regla severa) and add an 's' for plurals (castigos severos).
Position Matters
Placing 'severo' after the person or thing you are describing is the standard way to emphasize the quality of being strict.
False Friend Alert
Mistake: “Using 'severo' for every situation where English uses 'severe'.”
Correction: While 'severo' can mean severe, for medical issues like 'a severe headache', Spanish speakers often prefer 'fuerte' (strong) or 'agudo' (sharp).
autoritario
ow-toh-ree-TAH-ryohau.to.ɾi.ˈta.ɾjo
Examples
Mi jefe es muy autoritario y nunca acepta sugerencias.
My boss is very authoritarian and never accepts suggestions.
Muchos ciudadanos protestaron contra el gobierno autoritario.
Many citizens protested against the authoritarian government.
No seas tan autoritaria con tus hermanos menores.
Don't be so bossy with your younger siblings.
Matching Gender and Number
This word must match the person or thing you are describing. Use 'autoritario' for a man or a masculine thing (un jefe), 'autoritaria' for a woman or feminine thing (una jefa), and add an -s for plurals.
Word Order
In Spanish, we usually put this word after the person or thing we are describing, like saying 'the government authoritarian' instead of 'the authoritarian government'.
Don't forget the 'i'
Mistake: “autortario”
Correction: autoritario
Bossy vs. Authoritarian
Mistake: “Calling a toddler 'autoritario' in a cute way.”
Correction: Use 'mandón' for a child being bossy; 'autoritario' sounds much more serious and harsh.
rígido
Examples
Mi jefe tiene un horario muy rígido.
My boss has a very rigid schedule.
riguroso
ree-goo-ROH-sohri.ɡu.ˈɾo.so
Examples
El científico siguió un método riguroso para su experimento.
The scientist followed a thorough method for his experiment.
El profesor es muy riguroso con la corrección de los exámenes.
The teacher is very strict with the grading of the exams.
Necesitamos un análisis riguroso de la situación financiera.
We need a rigorous analysis of the financial situation.
Gender Matching
Since this is an adjective, it must match the thing it describes. Use 'riguroso' for masculine things and 'rigurosa' for feminine things.
Position Matters
Placing 'riguroso' after the noun (e.g., 'un examen riguroso') emphasizes the strictness or precision of the object.
Riguroso vs. Difícil
Mistake: “Using 'riguroso' to mean just 'hard' or 'difficult'.”
Correction: Use 'riguroso' when you mean disciplined, precise, or rule-following. For general difficulty, stick with 'difícil'.
religioso
reh-lee-hee-OH-sohre.liˈxjo.so
Examples
Sigue su rutina de ejercicio con un silencio religioso.
He follows his exercise routine with a meticulous silence.
Es muy religioso con sus horarios de comida.
He is very strict about his meal times.
Using 'Con'
When using this word to describe how someone does something, it is often paired with 'con' (with) or used as an adverb 'religiosamente' (religiously/strictly).
Estricto vs. Severo
Related Translations
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