harsh command

[/hɑːrʃ kəˈmɑːnd/]
noun phrasepl: harsh commands
ordem severa; comando áspero
1. A forceful, rough, or stern instruction given with little consideration for the feelings of the person receiving it
The sergeant barked a harsh command at the soldiers to move faster.
O sargento deu uma ordem severa aos soldados para se moverem mais rápido.
2. An abrupt or severe directive that lacks gentleness or politeness
Without warning, the manager issued a harsh command dismissing half the staff.
Sem aviso prévio, o gerente emitiu uma ordem áspera demitindo metade da equipe.
The concept of 'harsh command' is particularly relevant in military, corporate, and hierarchical structures in both Brazilian and American cultures. In Brazil, such commands may be seen as part of disciplinary tradition, while in the US, they're often associated with strict management styles. Modern workplaces in both countries increasingly discourage such communication styles in favor of collaborative leadership.
NYC Slang
a tough order; no-nonsense directive
Synonyms / Sinônimos
stern commandrough ordercurt directiveabrupt instructionbrusque command
Antonyms / Antônimos
gentle requestpolite instructionmild suggestioncourteous directive

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ordem severa; comando áspero
Most common usage in formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
ordem bruta; comando sem dó
More colloquial and emphatic expression
São Paulo
ordem dura; comando sem contemplações
Corporate and formal contexts
Portugal
ordem rigorosa; comando áspero
Similar to Brazilian usage but with slightly different emphasis

Related Words

authoritarianbark ordersdisciplinemilitary commanddictatorial tone

Related Idioms & Phrases

bark orders
lay down the law
crack the whip
come down hard on someone
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →