Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "丈夫な", "気概", "強靭", "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
強靭
きょうじん (kyōjin)
N1 / 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", "強靭", "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。.
- 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.
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.".