Translation guide
The English word "firm" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: describing physical hardness, a resolute attitude, a strict or strong approach, and the noun meaning a company.
Describing something that is not soft, yielding, or loose; having a solid, stable surface or consistency.
The most common word for 'hard' or 'firm' in a physical sense. Can describe surfaces, food, or objects that resist pressure.
This bed is too firm.
A firm avocado isn't ripe yet.
Means 'solid', 'sturdy', or 'firmly built'. Often used for structures, handshakes, or things that feel reliable and well-made.
A firm handshake makes a good impression.
This desk is solidly built.
Also read as かたい, but this kanji emphasizes rigidity or stiffness, often for materials like metal or stone. Can overlap with 固い, but 硬い is more about 'hard' as opposed to 'flexible'.
This bread has gone hard.
Describing a person's attitude, belief, or decision that is strong and not easily changed.
Means 'firm', 'resolute', 'determined'. Often used with nouns like 態度 (attitude), 決意 (determination), or 口調 (tone).
He refused with a firm attitude.
To face something with firm determination.
Can also mean 'firm' in the sense of 'steadfast' or 'unwavering', especially in phrases like 固い決意 (firm determination) or 固い信念 (firm belief).
Literally 'unshakable'. Used for trust, confidence, or resolve that is firm and unwavering.
My trust in him is firm.
Describing a manner of managing, controlling, or dealing with something in a strong, authoritative way.
Means 'strict', 'severe', or 'firm'. Often used for discipline, rules, or a person's manner.
He is firm with his children.
Also used for firm actions or measures, implying decisiveness and no hesitation.
The government took firm measures.
Can imply a firm, reliable, or competent manner of handling things.
He is a firm leader.
Referring to a business organization, especially a partnership or professional services company.
The general word for 'company' or 'corporation'. Can be used for any type of firm.
He works at a law firm.
The firm went bankrupt.
Often used for professional service firms like law firms (法律事務所) or accounting firms (会計事務所).
A more formal term for 'enterprise' or 'business firm', often used in economic contexts.
All three can be read かたい and mean 'hard' or 'firm', but they have different nuances. 固い is the most general and can be used for physical hardness, as well as metaphorical firmness (e.g., 固い約束 a firm promise). 硬い emphasizes stiffness and rigidity, often for materials. 堅い implies solidity and reliability, often for character or quality (e.g., 堅実な firm and steady). For most 'firm' meanings, 固い is a safe choice.
The loanword ファーム (fāmu) usually means 'farm' or 'firm' in the sense of a sports farm team. It is not used for a business firm. Use 会社 or 事務所 instead.
She has a firm grasp of the subject.
We need to take a firm stand on this issue.
He has firm beliefs.
A firm determination to succeed.
The company is firm about the rules.
彼は大手の会計事務所で働いている。
He works at a large accounting firm.
To support small and medium-sized firms.