synonym Comparative
頼もしい
VS
手堅い
Differences Between "頼もしい" and "手堅い"
Option A
頼もしい
Meaning
reliable, trustworthy, promising, dependable
Reading
たのもしい (tanomoshii)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
彼は困った時にいつも助けてくれる、本当に頼もしい人だ。
He is a truly reliable person who always helps me when I'm in trouble.
Option B
手堅い
Meaning
solid; steady; reliable; safe; cautious; secure
Reading
てがたい (tegatai)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
彼はいつも手堅い方法で投資をしている。
He always invests using solid, reliable methods.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(reliable, trustworthy, promising, dependable)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 頼もしい: Describes a person or thing that can be relied upon, is trustworthy, or shows great promise. Often used for people who are strong, capable, and supportive. 信頼でき、期待できる人や物を表す。「い」形容詞。
- 手堅い: Used as an い-adjective to describe something or someone that is reliable, secure, cautious, or solid. It often implies a lack of risk or flashiness, opting instead for stability and certainty. 「確実で安全、堅実である」というニュアンス。
- 頼もしい: Describes a person or thing that can be relied upon, is trustworthy, or shows great promise. Often used for people who are strong, capable, and supportive. 信頼でき、期待できる人や物を表す。「い」形容詞。
- 手堅い: Used as an い-adjective to describe something or someone that is reliable, secure, cautious, or solid. It often implies a lack of risk or flashiness, opting instead for stability and certainty. 「確実で安全、堅実である」というニュアンス。
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