Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "丈夫な", "気概", "強烈", "堅牢"
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
気概
きがい (kigai)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
強烈
きょうれつ (kyōretsu)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
堅牢
けんろう (kenrou)
N1 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "strong" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "丈夫な", "気概", "強烈", "堅牢" 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.
- 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.
- 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 "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 "強烈"
彼は強烈な個性を持っている。
He has a strong personality.
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.".