Translation guide
The English word "strength" covers physical power, mental resilience, intensity, and strong points. Japanese uses different words depending on the nuance.
Bodily strength, muscular power, or physical force
General word for physical strength, power, or force. Can also mean ability or effort.
彼は力が強い。
He is physically strong.
もっと力を入れて押してください。
Please push with more strength.
Physical stamina or overall bodily strength, often used in contexts of health and fitness.
体力をつけるために運動しています。
I exercise to build up my physical strength.
Muscular strength, often used in sports or medical contexts.
筋力トレーニングを毎日行っている。
I do strength training every day.
Inner strength, fortitude, or willpower
Mental strength or willpower; the ability to endure hardship or stay determined.
彼女の精神力には感心する。
I admire her mental strength.
精神力で困難を乗り越えた。
I overcame the difficulty through mental strength.
Abstract strength, including emotional or character strength. Often used in phrases like 心の強さ (strength of heart).
彼の心の強さに励まされた。
I was encouraged by his strength of heart.
Endurance or patience; the strength to persevere.
Strength of a substance, flavor, signal, etc.
Degree of intensity; used for wind, light, flavor, signal, etc.
コーヒーの強さを調節できますか？
Can you adjust the strength of the coffee?
風の強さが増してきた。
The strength of the wind is increasing.
Concentration or density; used for liquids, solutions, or abstract intensity.
Technical term for strength or intensity, often used in engineering or science.
A quality or skill at which someone excels
One's forte, strong point, or advantage. Commonly used in business and personal contexts.
彼の強みは交渉力だ。
His strength is his negotiation skills.
自分の強みを活かせる仕事を探している。
I'm looking for a job where I can use my strengths.
Merit, strong point, or advantage. Often contrasted with 短所 (weakness).
Something one is good at; a personal strength or specialty. Often used as a na-adjective.
Ability of an object or material to withstand force or wear
Strength of materials, structural integrity. Used in engineering and everyday contexts.
この橋の強度は十分だ。
The strength of this bridge is sufficient.
Durability; the strength to last a long time.
力 (ちから) is concrete physical power or force, while 強さ (つよさ) is the abstract quality of being strong. Use 力 for bodily strength or effort, and 強さ for intensity or character strength.
English 'strength' covers many concepts. Using 力 for mental strength or a strong point can sound unnatural. Choose the word that matches the specific nuance.
彼女は逆境に直面しても、大きな強さを見せた。
She showed great strength in the face of adversity.
あなたの強みは何ですか？
What are your strengths?
忍耐力が試される仕事だ。
It's a job that tests your endurance.
This medicine has a high strength (concentration).
Measure the strength (intensity) of the earthquake.
Please tell me your strengths and weaknesses.
English is my strength.
This product has excellent strength (durability).