強い
tsuyoi[t͡sɨjo̞i]
The English word "strong" can be translated into Japanese as 強い (tsuyoi).
強い is a general term used to describe both physical and mental strength.
Meaning: capable of producing great physical force (adj)
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
tsuyoi
Did you know?
- The word 強い is historically related to 怖い ('scary'). This connection comes from the physical sensation of freezing or stiffening in place due to fear.
- The word 強い can be used to describe a smell or taste that is 'strong' in the sense of being pungent or overpowering, not just powerful.
- In Japanese culture, 強い is frequently used to describe the 'strength' of a conviction or an opinion, often implying an unyielding or stubborn nature.
Examples in context
- 彼女は気が強い。She's strong-willed.This sentence shows how to use 強い to describe someone's assertive personality.Tatoeba #90584 by bunbuku, translation #1300166 by CK
- 彼は個性が強い。He has a strong personality.This sentence demonstrates using 強い to describe a striking or unique personality.Tatoeba #107565 by bunbuku, translation #296120 by CK
- アメリカは強い。America is strong.This sentence shows the use of 強い to describe the strength of a nation.Tatoeba #12056091 by xyz_13, translation #13965935 by Leglaine
- 彼は非常に強いです。He is very strong.
- 彼女の祖父はまだ頑健です。Her grandfather is still strong and lively.
- この堅牢なデザインは地震にも耐えます。This strong design can withstand earthquakes.
- 新しい上司は強面ですが、実際は優しいです。Our new boss looks tough, but in reality, he is kind.
- 82 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At the gym, Misaki watches Yota lift heavy weights.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太さんは、すごく力が強いですね。Yota-san wa, sugoku chikara ga tsuyoi desu ne.Yota, you are very strong.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとうございます。毎日トレーニングしています。Arigatou gozaimasu. Mainichi toreeningu shite imasu.Thank you. I train every day.
- 美咲 Misaki本当に尊敬します。Hontou ni sonkei shimasu.I really admire you.
- 陽太 Yota美咲さんも、もっと鍛えましょう。Misaki-san mo, motto kitaemashou.Misaki, you should train more too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “strong” translations and entries 強い, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 強い, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
