Translation guide
The English word "formidable" can describe something that inspires fear or respect due to its power, difficulty, or impressiveness. In Japanese, the translation depends heavily on the nuance: whether it's a daunting challenge, a fearsome opponent, an awe-inspiring person, or something impressively large or intense.
Describing something that seems very difficult to deal with or overcome, often inspiring a sense of being overwhelmed.
a formidable challenge · a formidable task · formidable opposition
Commonly used for opponents, challenges, or tasks that are tough to handle. Implies resistance and difficulty.
彼は手強い相手だ。
He is a formidable opponent.
これは手強い問題だ。
This is a formidable problem.
A more formal or written way to say 'difficult' or 'arduous'. Suitable for abstract challenges.
彼らは困難な状況に直面している。
They are facing a formidable situation.
Often used for harsh conditions, strict requirements, or severe challenges. Can imply a sense of rigor.
厳しい競争に勝ち抜く。
To win through formidable competition.
Describing someone or something that inspires fear or nervousness due to their power, skill, or appearance.
a formidable opponent · a formidable presence · a formidable reputation
Directly means 'frightening' or 'terrible'. Can be used for people, things, or situations that inspire fear.
彼は恐ろしい敵だ。
He is a formidable enemy.
More casual and common than 恐ろしい. Often used in everyday speech for things that are scary or intimidating.
Literally 'like a demon'. Used figuratively for someone with superhuman or fearsome qualities, often in sports or work contexts.
彼は鬼のような選手だ。
He is a formidable (demon-like) player.
Describing something that commands deep respect and admiration because of its greatness or excellence.
a formidable intellect · a formidable achievement · a formidable reputation
A general term for 'wonderful' or 'splendid'. Can convey admiration for impressive achievements.
彼女は素晴らしい才能の持ち主だ。
She has formidable talent.
Means 'marvelous' or 'prodigious'. Emphasizes the astonishing nature of something.
彼は驚異的な記録を打ち立てた。
He set a formidable record.
Means 'overwhelming'. Often used for impressive power, numbers, or presence that dominates.
彼の知識は圧倒的だ。
His knowledge is formidable.
Describing something that is impressively large, powerful, or intense, often in a way that is hard to deal with.
a formidable amount of work · a formidable force · a formidable size
Used for huge amounts of data, work, or scale. Emphasizes vastness.
膨大な量の書類を処理しなければならない。
I have to deal with a formidable amount of paperwork.
Similar to 膨大な but often used for money, costs, or wealth. Implies an enormous, almost unimaginable scale.
その計画には莫大な費用がかかる。
The project requires a formidable amount of money.
Describes something intense, terrific, or tremendous. Can be used for force, speed, or energy.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all nuances of 'formidable'. Using a word like 恐ろしい for a difficult task may sound overly dramatic. Always consider the specific context: is it fear, difficulty, admiration, or scale?
手強い implies active resistance, like a tough opponent or a stubborn problem. 困難な is more about the objective difficulty or hardship of a situation. Use 手強い for things you fight against, and 困難な for conditions you endure.
That teacher is formidable (intimidating).
凄まじい勢いで進む。
To advance with formidable momentum.