Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Formidable" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "formidable", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
手ごわい
てごわい (tegowa-i)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
手強い
てごわい (tegowai)
C1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "formidable" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 手ごわい and 手強い.
In Japanese, 手ごわい (てごわい (tegowa-i)) is typically associated with "formidable, tough, strong (opponent/challenge)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 相手が強くて手強いこと、または問題や課題が困難で解決が難しいこと。容易に勝てない、乗り越えられないといった意味合いがあります。.
On the other hand, 手強い (てごわい (tegowai)) maps to "formidable, tough" (Syllabus Level: C1) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C1 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "formidable" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "手ごわい"
次の対戦相手は、かなりの手ごわいチームだ。
The next opponent is a considerably formidable team.
Bilingual Context for "手強い"
これはとても手強いですね。
This is very formidable, tough, isn't it?
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "次の対戦相手は、かなりの ＿＿＿ チームだ。" (Meaning: "The next opponent is a considerably formidable team.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "手ごわい" fits here because it means "formidable, tough, strong (opponent/challenge)" in the context of: "The next opponent is a considerably formidable team.". "手強い" represents "formidable, tough".