Tough or demanding — difficult or severe, placing a heavy burden or strain.
最近の仕事は量が多くて本当にきつい。
Work has been a lot lately and it's really tough.
肉体労働は年を取るときつくなることが多い。
Physical labor often becomes harder as you get older.
このコースは難しくてきついと学生に評判だ。
This course has a reputation among students for being difficult and demanding.
Determined, strong-minded, or forceful — stern in character or speech; strict.
彼女はきつい性格で、妥協しないところがある。
She has a strong personality and doesn't compromise easily.
上司の指摘がきつくて、部下は落ち込んでいた。
The boss's criticism was harsh and the subordinate was upset.
彼のきつい口調に場が凍りついた。
The room went cold at his harsh tone.
Strong or intense — describing potent taste, alcohol, sunlight, etc., that is sharp or severe.
このウイスキーはアルコールの匂いがきつい。
This whiskey has a strong alcohol smell.
夏の正午は日差しがきついので帽子が必要だ。
The midday sun in summer is intense, so a hat is necessary.
このカレーは香辛料がきつくて苦手だ。
This curry is too spicy for me.
(Too) tight or constricting — clothing or shoes that feel close-fitting or uncomfortable.
新しい靴はきつくて歩きにくい。
The new shoes are tight and hard to walk in.
ベルトをきつく締めすぎると苦しくなるよ。
If you tighten the belt too much, it will become uncomfortable.
そのズボンはきついのでワンサイズ上を買った方がいい。
Those pants are tight, so you should buy one size up.
Extreme or unusually strong — used to indicate something severe, intense, or to an excessive degree.
今月は出費が多くて経済的にきつい。
This month I've had a lot of expenses and it's financially tight.
彼の冗談はきつくて人を傷つけた。
His joke was harsh and hurt someone.
スケジュールがきつくて休む暇もない。
The schedule is so tight there's no time to rest.