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.
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.
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
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).
この机は丈夫ですか？
Is this desk sturdy?
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.
彼は力持ちだ。
He is a strong person.
屈強な男たち
strong men
Also used for mental strength, willpower, or emotional resilience.
彼女は精神的に強い。
She is mentally strong.
強い意志
strong will
Idiomatic phrase meaning having a strong core or inner strength.
彼は芯が強い人だ。
He is a person with strong inner strength.
Resilient, able to withstand criticism or setbacks.
彼女は打たれ強い。
She is resilient (strong against criticism).
strong coffee
味が濃い
The flavor is strong.
Can be used for strong smell, wind, or effect, but not typically for flavor concentration.
Colloquial for something too strong, harsh, or intense (alcohol, cigarettes, personality).
この酒はきつい。
This alcohol is strong.
The standard word for durable, sturdy, long-lasting (clothes, shoes, furniture).
Solid, sturdy, often for heavy-duty objects or buildings.
頑丈な机
a sturdy desk
Can be used for materials that are strong against force or pressure.
この素材は熱に強い。
This material is strong against heat.
General term for powerful in various abstract senses.
Influential, prominent, strong (candidate, theory).
有力な候補者
a strong candidate
Persuasive, having strong convincing power.
彼の主張は説得力がある。
His argument is strong/persuasive.
Violent, intense, fierce (rain, wind, emotion, competition).
She has a strong sense of responsibility.