What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adverb 強く (strongly) and the imperative form of the verb あれ (to be/to exist).
Which one should you use?
While 強くあれ is a poetic command to maintain one's character or strength, the much more common and everyday way to encourage someone to persevere through a task or hardship is 頑張って.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
強くあれ is a highly literary and dramatic form, often found in song lyrics, literature or epic-style dialogue rather than casual daily conversation. For a more common, informal way to say stay strong or hang in there, you can use 頑張って. If you want to be polite, use 頑張ってください to encourage someone to do their best or stay strong or use 強くあり続けてください to say 'keep being strong'. The informal imperative がんばれ is also used to say stay strong or keep fighting.
How do you pronounce it?
tsuyoku are
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the adjective 強い used in 強くあれ can describe something as physical as a muscle or as intangible as a pungent smell or a blinding light.
- If you use the command がんばれ to a friend, it can sound like you are cheering for them in a sports match rather than offering emotional support.
- The verb in 強くあれ is the imperative form of 'to be', which means you are essentially commanding the person's very existence to remain powerful.
Examples in context
- この試練を乗り越えて、強くあり続けてください。Overcome this challenge and stay strong.
- 大丈夫、頑張って！Don't worry, stay strong!
- もう少しの辛抱です。がんばれ！Just a little longer, you can do it! Stay strong!
- どんな時でも、強くあれと願っています。Donna toki demo, tsuyoku are to negatte imasu.I pray that you stay strong no matter what.
- 自分自身に、強くあれと言い聞かせた。Jibun jishin ni, tsuyoku are to iikikaseta.I told myself to stay strong.
Example conversation
Hiroki encourages Himari before a big challenge.
- 大翔 Hiroto明日から大変だと思うけど、強くあれ。Ashita kara taihen da to omou kedo, tsuyoku are.I think things will be tough from tomorrow, but stay strong.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう。頑張るね。Arigatou. Ganbaru ne.Thank you. I'll do my best.
- 大翔 Hiroto一人じゃないからな。Hitori janai kara na.You're not alone, you know.
- 陽葵 Himari心強いよ、大翔。Kokorozuyoi yo, Hiroki.That's very encouraging, Hiroki.
