Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Strong" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "strong", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
強靭
きょうじん (kyōjin)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
堅牢
けんろう (kenrou)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "strong" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 強靭 and 堅牢.
In Japanese, 強靭 (きょうじん (kyōjin)) is typically associated with "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。.
On the other hand, 堅牢 (けんろう (kenrou)) maps to "strong; sturdy; robust; durable" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Describes something physically very strong, resistant to damage, and built to last for a long time. Often used for structures, materials, or systems.. A literal translation of "strong" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "堅牢"
この金庫は非常に堅牢で、簡単に開けられない。
This safe is extremely sturdy and cannot be easily opened.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼の精神は、いかなる困難にも屈しない ＿＿＿ さを持っている。" (Meaning: "His spirit possesses a resilience that will not yield to any difficulty.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "強靭" fits here because it means "strong, robust, resilient, tough" in the context of: "His spirit possesses a resilience that will not yield to any difficulty.". "堅牢" represents "strong; sturdy; robust; durable".