Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Strong" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "strong", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
強い
つよい (tsuyoi)
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 強い and たくましい.
In Japanese, 強い (つよい (tsuyoi)) is typically associated with "strong, powerful, intense" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents い-形容詞.
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 "強い"
今日は風がとても強いです。
The wind is very strong today.
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: "今日は風がとても ＿＿＿ です。" (Meaning: "The wind is very strong today.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "強い" fits here because it means "strong, powerful, intense" in the context of: "The wind is very strong today.". "たくましい" represents "strong, robust, tough (physically/mentally), sturdy".