Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Strong" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "strong", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
たくましい
たくましい (takumashii)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
強靭
きょうじん (kyōjin)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "strong" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between たくましい and 強靭.
In Japanese, たくましい (たくましい (takumashii)) is typically associated with "strong, robust, tough (physically/mentally), sturdy" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes a person or organism that is strong, resilient, and vigorous, both physically and mentally. Often implies an ability to overcome hardships..
On the other hand, 強靭 (きょうじん (kyōjin)) maps to "strong, robust, resilient, tough" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Describes something physically or mentally strong, durable, and resilient to external forces or difficulties. 物理的、精神的に強く、困難や外部からの力に耐えうるしなやかで丈夫なさまを表します。. A literal translation of "strong" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "たくましい"
彼は精神的にとてもたくましい人だ。
He is a very mentally tough person.
Bilingual Context for "強靭"
彼の精神は、いかなる困難にも屈しない強靭さを持っている。
His spirit possesses a resilience that will not yield to any difficulty.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は精神的にとても ___ 人だ。" (Meaning: "He is a very mentally tough person.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "たくましい" fits here because it means "strong, robust, tough (physically/mentally), sturdy" in the context of: "He is a very mentally tough person.". "強靭" represents "strong, robust, resilient, tough".