Translation guide
How to express 'become stronger' in Japanese, covering physical strength, intensity, skills, and abstract power.
I became stronger after exercising every day.
I want to become stronger.
Literally 'physical strength attaches', meaning to build up stamina or physical fitness. Often used for endurance rather than raw muscle power.
I built up my stamina through running.
Specifically refers to an increase in muscular strength. Sounds slightly technical or like fitness jargon.
My muscle strength increased through training.
For things like wind, rain, light, or emotions becoming more intense or stronger.
Works for wind, rain, emotions, etc. The same pattern as physical strength, but context makes the meaning clear.
The wind is getting stronger.
My anxiety became stronger.
Means 'become violent/intense'. Used for rain, wind, emotions, or actions that become fierce.
The rain became heavier.
A somewhat literary verb meaning 'to increase' in degree or intensity. Often used in written language.
To become stronger in a skill, such as in sports, games, or academics.
Means 'to improve' or 'make progress' in a skill. More natural than 強くなる for skills like language or sports.
My Japanese has improved.
Can be used for competitive skills like chess or martial arts, but 上達する is often better for non-competitive skills.
I became stronger at shogi.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to improve one's skills'. Literally 'raise one's arm', but used figuratively.
He improved his cooking skills.
For things like a country, team, or argument becoming more powerful or influential.
Works for abstract strength like a team or nation becoming more powerful.
That country became economically stronger.
A formal, somewhat technical term meaning 'to become mighty/powerful'. Used in political or historical contexts.
The empire became more powerful.
The cold became more intense.
He has been gaining power in the company.