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"Harsh" is an adjective which is often translated as "duro", and "tough" is an adjective which is also often translated as "duro". Learn more about the difference between "harsh" and "tough" below.
harsh(
harsh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (severe)
a. duro
Despite the harsh conditions of his childhood, the support of his family made it a happy one.A pesar de las condiciones duras de su infancia, el apoyo de su familia lo hizo feliz.
b. severo
The family moved to Phoenix, because they couldn't take another harsh Montana winter.La familia se mudó a Phoenix porque no podían aguantar otro invierno severo en Montana.
c. riguroso (punishment)
The threat of harsh punishment kept the inmates in line.La amenaza de castigos rigurosos mantuvo a los reclusos controlados.
d. violento (contrast)
The beauty of some diamonds stands in harsh contrast with the origins of those diamonds.La belleza de algunos diamantes se encuentra en contraste violento con sus orígenes.
2. (too bright)
a. áspero
Wanda was startled by Guillermo's harsh tone of voice.Wanda se sorprendió por el tono áspero de la voz de Guillermo.
tough(
tuhf
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (difficult)
a. fuerte
She's a tough lady. She won't let this discourage her.Es una mujer fuerte. No se dejará desanimar por esto.
3. (strict)
a. duro
The city council has decided to get tough with street gangs.El ayuntamiento ha decidido ponerse duro con las pandillas callejeras.
b. peligroso (neighborhood)
That's a tough part of town. I wouldn't live there.Es un barrio peligroso. Yo no viviría allí.
a. resistente
You need something tougher than flip-flops for hiking.Necesitas algo más resistente que unas chancletas para ir de caminata.
A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling, or idea (e.g., man, dog, house).
7. (ruffian)
a. el matón (M)
(m) means that a noun is masculine. Spanish nouns have a gender, which is either feminine (like la mujer or la luna) or masculine (like el hombre or el sol).
There was a gang of toughs outside the store, so I waited until they were gone.Había una pandilla de matones en la puerta de la tienda, así que esperé hasta que se marcharan.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
a. duro
You don't have to be a big strong man to act tough.No hace falta ser grandote y fuerte para hacerse el duro.
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
