丈夫 vs 強い
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 丈夫
Listen to 強い
| 丈夫 | 強い |
|---|---|
JOUBU adjective | つよい adjective |
| strong; durable; sturdy; healthy | strong, tough, powerful |
How they differ
強い is much broader and can describe strength in many senses, including physical power, resilience, force, taste, or conviction. 丈夫 specifically suggests lasting durability or good physical condition, not general strength.
When to use each
When to use 丈夫: Use 丈夫 when you mean durable, hard to wear out, or physically healthy.
When to use 強い: Use 強い when you mean strength in a wider sense, such as physical power or mental toughness.
Side-by-side examples
- この靴は丈夫だ。
(These shoes are durable.) - この靴は強い。
(These shoes are strong.)
Register & nuance: 強い is very common and neutral, but its meaning is much wider and less specific than 丈夫.