How to say "severely" in Japanese

• つくづくCommon
  adverb (with と)Really means feeling something deeply and keenly, often after reflection. Its link to 'severely' is marginal: use it for 'I keenly feel...', not for harsh treatment or punishment.
  彼かれは、自分じぶんの不幸ふこうをつくづく考かんがえた。↗

  He brooded over his misfortunes.
• ひしひしCommon
  adverb (with と)Covers feelings that press on one acutely — the 'keenly, acutely' sense; 'severely' is marginal here. Use it for being keenly aware of pressure, threat or responsibility, not for harsh actions.
• 厳にげんにCommon
  adverbThe 'severely' of stern, strict treatment: dealing with someone or their fault severely and without leniency. Fits contexts of sternly scolding, judging or admonishing.
  ここではたばこを吸すうことを厳げんに禁きんじられている。↗

  Smoking is strictly forbidden here.
• ひどくCommon
  adverbThe 'severely' of degree: badly, extremely, dreadfully. Choose it when something is severe in amount or intensity — hurt, scolded or damaged badly — rather than stern in manner.
• きっとJLPT N4approx.Common
  adverbCovers 'sternly, severely' of look or manner: a stern expression or glare. It describes sternness in someone's face or bearing, not the degree of punishment or pain.

Use 「ひどく」 for severity of degree (badly, extremely), 「厳に」 for stern treatment or reprimand, 「きっと」 for a stern look or manner, and 「つくづく」 or 「ひしひし」 for feelings felt keenly rather than for severity itself.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• つくづくdeeply
• ひしひしacutely (feel)
• 厳にげんにstrictly
• ひどくterribly
• くそみそseverely (criticize, run down, etc.)
• さんざseverely
• みそくそseverely (criticize, run down, etc.)
• みっちりintensely
• みっしりstrictly
• きっとsternly
• 散々さんざんseverely
• しきりにhard
• がんhard (hit, scold, etc.)
• こってりseverely
• したたかseverely
• さんざっぱらseverely
• さんざんぱらseverely
• ぎしぎしrelentlessly (criticize, complain, etc.)
• しきりとhard