Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "強い", "たくましい", "強靭", "堅牢"
All represent the core concept "strong", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
強い
つよい (tsuyoi)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
たくましい
たくましい (takumashii)
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 "強い", "たくましい", "強靭", "堅牢" based on context.
- 強い (つよい (tsuyoi) - Level: N4): Maps to "strong, powerful, intense" and is used when い-形容詞.
- 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。.
- 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 "強い"
今日は風がとても強いです。
The wind is very strong today.
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.
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: "今日は風がとても ＿＿＿ です。" (Meaning: "The wind is very strong today.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "強い" is correct here because it represents "strong, powerful, intense" in the context: "The wind is very strong today.".