Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "丈夫な", "強烈", "たくましい", "強靭"
All represent the core concept "strong", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
丈夫な
じょうぶな (joubuna)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
強烈
きょうれつ (kyōretsu)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
たくましい
たくましい (takumashii)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
強靭
きょうじん (kyōjin)
N1 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "strong" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "丈夫な", "強烈", "たくましい", "強靭" based on context.
- 丈夫な (じょうぶな (joubuna) - Level: N4): Maps to "strong, durable, healthy" and is used when A な-adjective meaning strong, robust, or durable for objects.
- 強烈 (きょうれつ (kyōretsu) - Level: N2): Maps to "strong, intense, fierce" and is used when Refers to something very powerful, impactful, or severe, often in a sensory.
- たくましい (たくましい (takumashii) - Level: N2): Maps to "strong, robust, tough (physically/mentally), sturdy" and is used when Describes a person or organism that is strong, resilient, and vigorous, both physically and mentally. Often implies an ability to overcome hardships..
- 強靭 (きょうじん (kyōjin) - Level: N1): Maps to "strong, robust, resilient, tough" and is used when 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。.
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.
Context for "強烈"
彼は強烈な個性を持っている。
He has a strong personality.
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.
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.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
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" is correct here because it represents "strong, durable, healthy" in the context: "This bag is durable, so I can use it for a long time.".