noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
strength; toughness; bravery; boldness
Refers to physical or mental fortitude, often in a somewhat literary or traditional context. Can be used attributively with の.
See also: 剛の者
彼は剛の者として知られている。
He is known as a man of strength and bravery.
剛の精神で困難を乗り越えた。
He overcame the difficulties with a spirit of fortitude.
剛健 is a two-character compound meaning sturdy and robust, commonly describing physique or character, whereas 剛 alone is rarer and more abstract in modern speech.
柔 means softness or gentleness, standing in direct classical contrast to the hardness and toughness of 剛.
stiffness; rigidity
stiff hair; coarse hair; bristle
vigorous; sturdy; robust
rigid body
blazing fastball; powerful fastball
fortitude; firmness of character; inner strength
vajra; diamond; adamantine · thunderbolt; Indra's weapon; Buddhist symbol
tough at heart; strong-willed inside
chilling (steel)
Standard kanji spelling for this noun/adjectival noun.
Alternate kanji form; less common than 剛 for this meaning.
The kanji 剛 carries the meaning of strength and firmness. The reading ごう is the on'yomi. The exact historical derivation of the word is uncertain, but it has been used in classical Japanese to denote a person of valor or fortitude.
bravery; prowess; valor
strength; firmness; fortitude
obstinacy; stubbornness; self-will
valor and decisiveness
hardness and softness; strength and flexibility
fastball; heavy fastball; powerful pitch
integrity; moral courage; rigidity
obstinacy; stubbornness