Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Strong" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "strong", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
丈夫な
じょうぶな (joubuna)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
たくましい
たくましい (takumashii)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "strong" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 丈夫な and たくましい.
In Japanese, 丈夫な (じょうぶな (joubuna)) is typically associated with "strong, durable, healthy" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A な-adjective meaning strong, robust, or durable for objects.
On the other hand, たくましい (たくましい (takumashii)) maps to "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.. A literal translation of "strong" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "丈夫な"
このかばんは丈夫なので、長く使えます。
This bag is durable, so I can use it for a long time.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "このかばんは ＿＿＿ ので、長く使えます。" (Meaning: "This bag is durable, so I can use it for a long time.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "丈夫な" fits here because it means "strong, durable, healthy" in the context of: "This bag is durable, so I can use it for a long time.". "たくましい" represents "strong, robust, tough (physically/mentally), sturdy".