The Swedish term "bister, akterskepp, barsk, akter, hård" matches the English term "stern"

other swedish words that include "bister" : english :
bister, hård grim
hårt, bister inclement
bister uppsyn, se bister ut scowl
other swedish words that include "barsk" : english :
barsk, sträv gruff
barsk, hård, sträv harsh
oländig, skrovlig, kantig, barsk rugged