Translation guide
The English word "strong" covers many meanings. This guide organizes them by the intended meaning, from physical strength to intensity, durability, and more.
This coffee is strong.
For flavor, color, density
Describing a person, animal, or body part that has great physical strength.
a strong man · strong muscles · He is strong.
The most common word for 'strong' in the sense of physical power, mental fortitude, or general capability.
He is very strong.
strong arms
Literally 'strength-holder', a noun meaning a physically strong person.
A literary term for robust, brawny, or sturdy physique.
Describing a person's mental toughness, willpower, or emotional strength.
strong mind · strong will · She is strong emotionally.
Describing something that has a powerful taste, odor, or effect (e.g., coffee, alcohol, medicine).
strong coffee · strong smell · strong medicine
Used for strong flavor, color, or density (coffee, tea, soup, makeup).
Describing materials, objects, or structures that are resistant to damage.
strong rope · strong material · strong shoes
The standard word for durable, sturdy, long-lasting (clothes, shoes, furniture).
Describing something that is convincing, effective, or has great impact (e.g., argument, evidence, team).
strong argument · strong evidence · strong team
Describing natural phenomena, emotions, or actions that are forceful or extreme.
strong wind · strong emotions · strong rain
Used in compound adjectives like 'strong-willed', 'strong-minded', etc.
strong-willed · strong sense of duty
Use 強い for general strength (people, wind, will). Use 丈夫 for durability of everyday items (clothes, shoes). Use 頑丈 for heavy-duty sturdiness (furniture, buildings).
Is this desk sturdy?
She has a strong personality.
He is a strong person.
屈強な男たち
strong men
Also used for mental strength, willpower, or emotional resilience.
She is mentally strong.
strong will
Idiomatic phrase meaning having a strong core or inner strength.
He is a person with strong inner strength.
Resilient, able to withstand criticism or setbacks.
She is resilient (strong against criticism).
濃いコーヒー
strong coffee
The flavor is strong.
Can be used for strong smell, wind, or effect, but not typically for flavor concentration.
strong scent
The wind is strong.
Colloquial for something too strong, harsh, or intense (alcohol, cigarettes, personality).
This alcohol is strong.
These shoes are strong/durable.
strong paper
Solid, sturdy, often for heavy-duty objects or buildings.
a sturdy desk
Can be used for materials that are strong against force or pressure.
This material is strong against heat.
General term for powerful in various abstract senses.
a strong team
strong evidence
Influential, prominent, strong (candidate, theory).
a strong candidate
Persuasive, having strong convincing power.
His argument is strong/persuasive.
Violent, intense, fierce (rain, wind, emotion, competition).
strong/heavy rain
strong anger
Also used for wind, sunlight, pressure, etc.
strong sunlight
He has a strong curiosity.
She has a strong sense of responsibility.
Noun/adjective meaning bullish, confident, aggressive attitude.
a strong/confident attitude
頑丈な金庫
a strong safe
For strong coffee, tea, or soup, use 濃い (こい), not 強い. 強いコーヒー sounds like the coffee has powerful effects, not a rich taste.
Sometimes 'strong' is implied by context. For example, 'He is strong' can simply be 彼は強いです, but in many situations, you might just say 彼は力持ちだ or use a specific verb like 力がある.
This rope is strong.
I need a strong drink.