What does きつい mean?
きつい is a Japanese adjective meaning “tight, close, intense” in English. It can also be translated as “determined, strong (e.g. sunlight, alcohol), (too) tight” depending on context. It is written as きつい in hiragana, and kitsui in romaji. This word is part of JLPT N3 vocabulary.
Example sentences
フーッ、この坂道はきついよ。でも帰りは楽だよね。
Whew! This is a tough hill. But coming back sure will be a breeze.
トムは頭にきつい一発を受けた。
Tom received a heavy blow on the head.
ちょっとウエストがきついね。
The waist is a little small.