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synonym Comparative
強烈
VS
手ごわい

Differences Between "強烈" and "手ごわい"

Option A
強烈
Meaning
strong, intense, fierce
Reading
きょうれつ (kyōretsu)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼は強烈な個性を持っている。
He has a strong personality.
Option B
手ごわい
Meaning
formidable, tough, strong (opponent/challenge)
Reading
てごわい (tegowa-i)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
次の対戦相手は、かなりの手ごわいチームだ。
The next opponent is a considerably formidable team.

Which one to use?

Select the correct Japanese word for this context

Which word fits this context: "(strong, intense, fierce)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 強烈: Refers to something very powerful, impactful, or severe, often in a sensory (e.g., smell, impact) or emotional way (e.g., impression).
- 手ごわい: 相手が強くて手強いこと、または問題や課題が困難で解決が難しいこと。容易に勝てない、乗り越えられないといった意味合いがあります。(Describes an opponent that is strong and formidable, or a problem/challenge that is difficult to solve. Implies that one cannot easily win or overcome it.)
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