severo
adjectiveCEFR B2
What does “severo” mean in English?
1.harsh, severe — stern and demanding; also: extreme in degree
harsh, severe — stern and demanding; also: extreme in degree (sanción severa, crítica severa)
2.severe — very great in degree; harsh or strict in application
severe — very great in degree; harsh or strict in application (pena severa, consecuencias severas)
3.stern — demanding strict adherence to standards; uncompromising in character or expression
stern — demanding strict adherence to standards; uncompromising in character or expression (mirada severa, director severo)
Example sentences
El juez impuso una pena severa para enviar un mensaje claro de que ese tipo de conducta no sería tolerada.
The judge imposed a severe sentence to send a clear message that such behaviour would not be tolerated.
Las condiciones climáticas severas de la región hacen necesario un sistema de predicción meteorológica muy preciso.
The severe climatic conditions of the region make a very precise meteorological prediction system necessary.
How to use it
Severo/a means 'harsh, severe, strict' — demanding and uncompromising; also: extreme in degree or effect. Common collocations: sanción severa, crítica severa, pena severa, medida severa. Ser/estar: ser for character ('es un juez severo'); estar for a temporary instance. Synonym: estricto (for rules), grave (for outcomes).
Common mistake
Severo ≠ duro: both imply harshness, but severo tends to be used for judgements, standards, and official responses; duro implies physical or emotional toughness. A severo profesor enforces strict standards; a duro trabajo is physically demanding.