Quintuple VS
Synonym Boundary: "強い", "丈夫な", "気概", "たくましい", "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
丈夫な
じょうぶな (joubuna)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
気概
きがい (kigai)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
たくましい
たくましい (takumashii)
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 "強い", "丈夫な", "気概", "たくましい", "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.
- 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..
- 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..
- 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 "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 "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 "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.".