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.
このベッドは固すぎる。
This bed is too firm.
固いアボカドはまだ熟していない。
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.
しっかりした握手は好印象を与える。
A firm handshake makes a good impression.
この机はしっかりした作りだ。
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'.
このパンは硬くなってしまった。
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).
彼は断固とした態度で拒否した。
He refused with a firm attitude.
断固たる決意で臨む。
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.
彼への信頼は揺るがない。
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.
彼は子供に厳しい。
He is firm with his children.
会社は規則に厳しい。
The company is firm about the rules.
Also used for firm actions or measures, implying decisiveness and no hesitation.
政府は断固たる措置を取った。
The government took firm measures.
Can imply a firm, reliable, or competent manner of handling things.
彼はしっかりした指導者だ。
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.
彼は法律事務所に勤めている。
He works at a law firm.
その会社は倒産した。
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.
彼女はその分野をしっかりと理解している。
She has a firm grasp of the subject.
この問題には断固たる態度を取る必要がある。
We need to take a firm stand on this issue.
He has firm beliefs.
成功するという固い決意。
A firm determination to succeed.
He works at a large accounting firm.
To support small and medium-sized firms.