强
qiáng
The English word "strong" can be translated into Mandarin as 强 (qiáng), which primarily describes being capable of producing great physical force.
The phrase 耐力强 is used to express strength in terms of endurance or stamina. The term 厉害 is used across China to describe someone who possesses remarkable strength or skills.
Meaning: capable of producing great physical force (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 强 can mean strong in a general sense, 强大 is used for more abstract or large-scale power, such as a "powerful country" or "mighty force". For abstract sensations like smells, light or emotions, the two-syllable form 强烈 is more natural than the single syllable 强.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 强 as a predicate adjective to describe a person's strength, it is common to use the adverb 很 (hěn) before it, even if the English translation doesn't strictly require 'very'.
How do you pronounce it?
qiáng
Did you know?
- The word 强 can be pronounced as qiáng meaning 'strong' or qiǎng meaning 'to force'. The change in tone completely alters the word from a description of power to an action of coercion.
- In Chinese culture, the concept of 'strength' is often linked to 气 or 'qi'. To be truly 'strong' in a traditional sense involves balancing internal energy rather than just building muscle.
- The character 强 is a variant form of 強 and was already appearing in the writings of Zhong Yao during the Han Dynasty.
Examples in context
- 你确实很强。You are truly very strong.This sentence shows how to use 强 to describe a person.Tatoeba #1372517 by sadhen, translation #7758468 by pokeonimac
- 她有很强的个性。She has a strong personality.This sentence demonstrates using 强 to describe a personality.Tatoeba #2031263 by ydcok, translation #313508 by CK
- 那个感情非常强烈。The feeling was really strong.This sentence illustrates the use of the form 强烈 for an intense feeling.Tatoeba #8696314 by crescat, translation #8533433 by Amastan
- 他非常 强壮 ，每天都去健身房锻炼身体。He is very strong and goes to the gym to exercise every day.
- 尽管比赛很激烈，但他的 耐力强 ，坚持到最后一刻。Although the competition was intense, he displayed great endurance and persisted until the last moment.
- 这个国家的军队非常 强大 ，具有很强的战斗力。The military of this country is very strong and has a formidable combat capability.
- 这家公司的资金非常 雄厚 ，在市场上具有竞争优势。This company has substantial financial resources, which provide it with a competitive advantage in the market.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Haoran and Yuting are at the gym lifting weights.
- 佳怡 Jiayi你能举起这么重的哑铃，真的很强！Nǐ néng jǔqǐ zhème zhòng de yǎlíng, zhēn de hěn qiáng!You can lift such heavy dumbbells, you're really strong!
- 浩然 Haoran谢谢，但我还需要继续练习。Xièxiè, dàn wǒ hái xūyào jìxù liànxí.Thanks, but I still need to keep practicing.
- 佳怡 Jiayi你的手臂肌肉现在看起来很强。Nǐ de shǒubì jīròu xiànzài kàn qǐlái hěn qiáng.Your arm muscles look very strong now.
- 浩然 Haoran我也觉得比以前强多了。Wǒ yě juéde bǐ yǐqián qiáng duō le.I also feel much stronger than before.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 强, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
