Quintuple VS
Synonym Boundary: "丈夫", "強い", "気概", "強固", "堅牢"
All represent the core concept "strong", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
丈夫
じょうぶ (jōbu)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
強い
つよい (tsuyoi)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
気概
きがい (kigai)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
強固
きょうこ (kyouko)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option E
堅牢
けんろう (kenrou)
N1 / CEFR
Quintuple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "strong" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "丈夫", "強い", "気概", "強固", "堅牢" based on context.
- 丈夫 (じょうぶ (jōbu) - Level: N5): Maps to "strong, durable, healthy" and is used when A na-adjective used to describe objects that are sturdy and durable, or people who are healthy and robust. It implies resistance to damage or illness..
- 強い (つよい (tsuyoi) - Level: N4): Maps to "strong, powerful, intense" and is used when い-形容詞.
- 気概 (きがい (kigai) - Level: N2): Maps to "strong spirit, backbone, determination, guts" and is used when Implies a strong, positive will, determination, or resolve to face challenges, take on difficult tasks, or not give up. Often used to praise someone's character..
- 強固 (きょうこ (kyouko) - Level: N2): Maps to "strong, firm, solid, robust" and is used when Used to describe physical structures, systems, or relationships that are durable, resistant, and difficult to break. Emphasizes stability and robustness..
- 堅牢 (けんろう (kenrou) - Level: N1): Maps to "strong; sturdy; robust; durable" and is used when Describes something physically very strong, resistant to damage, and built to last for a long time. Often used for structures, materials, or systems..
Context for "丈夫"
この椅子はとても丈夫だ。
This chair is very sturdy.
Context for "強い"
今日は風がとても強いです。
The wind is very strong today.
Context for "気概"
彼は困難にも屈しない気概を持っている。
He has the determination not to yield to difficulties.
Context for "強固"
その建物は地震にも耐えられる強固な構造をしている。
That building has a strong structure that can withstand earthquakes.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この椅子はとても ＿＿＿ だ。" (Meaning: "This chair is very sturdy.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "丈夫" is correct here because it represents "strong, durable, healthy" in the context: "This chair is very sturdy.".