강하다
ganghada[ka̠ŋɦa̠da̠]
To say strong in Korean, use 강하다 (ganghada). For physical strength, Koreans very often say 힘이 세다 with the adjective 세다. If unsure, use 강하다.
Meaning: capable of producing great physical force (adj)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 강하다 | ganghada | [ka̠ŋɦa̠da̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 세다 | seda | [ˈsʰe̞(ː)da̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [s͈e̞da̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
강하다 means strong in a general sense. 세다 is used for physical strength, mostly in 힘이 세다 (to have strength) and its form 센 can describe a strong wind.
What does it mean word for word?
In 힘이 세다, 힘 means strength and 세다 means strong.
Which one should you use?
강하다 is the broader word for being strong or powerful. 세다 is the everyday choice for physical strength and force. For a strong emotion, Korean uses 강렬한 or 격렬한, which mean intense.
How do you pronounce it?
강하다 is romanized as ganghada.
Did you know?
- The word 세다 is a homonym that can also mean 'to count' numbers, meaning 'numbers are strong' would sound nonsensical in Korean.
- The word 강하다 is formed by combining the Chinese character 強 for 'strength' with the light verb 하다 to create an adjective.
- In Korean, describing a person's personality as 세다 can be a subtle criticism, implying they are pushy or intimidating rather than simply resilient.
Examples in context
- 톰은 키도 크고 힘도 세다.Tom is tall and strong.힘도 세다 says that Tom also has physical strength.Tatoeba #11106755 by intertime, translation #1692631 by CM
- 그는 근육이 많고 힘이 세다.He is muscular and strong.힘이 세다 is the usual way to say someone is physically strong.
- 그래 너 말이 맞아. 나는 강해.Yeah you're right. I am strong.강해 is the casual form of the word, used to say I am strong.
- 그 선수는 강한 체력을 가지고 있습니다.That athlete has strong stamina.
- 그 회사는 강한 경영진을 보유하고 있습니다.That company has a strong management team.
- 그는 몸이 튼튼해서 언제나 일에 최선을 다 합니다.He always gives his best at work due to his strong physique.
- 이 건물은 튼튼한 구조로 만들어져 있습니다.This building is constructed with a strong framework.
- 그 사람은 정말로 강해요.That person is really strong.
- 마음이 강해서 어려움을 잘 극복해요.I am emotionally strong and can overcome difficulties easily.
- 그 선수는 정말로 강합니다.That player is really strong.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Minjun are talking about a fitness challenge.
- 서연 Seo-yeon민준 씨는 정말 강하다.Minjun ssineun jeongmal ganghada.Minjun, you are really strong.
- 민준 Min-jun아니에요, 저는 아직 부족해요.Anieyo, jeoneun ajik bujokhaeyo.No, I'm still not enough.
- 서연 Seo-yeon무거운 걸 가볍게 들더라고요.Mugeoun geol gabyeopge deuldeoragoyo.I saw you lift heavy things easily.
- 민준 Min-jun칭찬해 줘서 고마워요, 서연 씨.칭찬해 줘서 gomawoyo, Seoyeon ssi.Thank you for the compliment, Seoyeon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “strong” translations and entries 강하다, 세다, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 강하다, 세다, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
