JLPT N5 Vocabulary – Difference between “強い” and “丈夫”

Table of Contents

1. Difference between “強つよい” and “丈夫じょうぶ“
2. 強つよい
3. 丈夫じょうぶ
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment

Q: What is the difference between “強つよい” and “丈夫じょうぶ“?

A: These two words seem similar but have different meanings. Especially “強つよい” has many meanings, so it is necessary to use it differently depending on the context.
Let’s take a look at each one.

強つよい (JLPT N5)

[Meanings]
① Superior strength or skill, unbeatable by others
② Mental toughness, not easily defeated
③ Sufficient or superior knowledge or capability in a certain field
④ Large degree of effect or extent
⑤ Firm and tight state
⑥ Clear and distinct

[Examples]
このチームはとても強つよくて、夏なつの試合しあいで優勝ゆうしょうしました。（①）
This team is very strong and won the summer match.

その主人しゅじん公こうは強つよい心こころをもって敵てきを倒たおしました。（②）
The protagonist defeated the enemy with a strong heart.

鈴木すずきさんは数字すうじに強つよくて、いつも計算けいさんが速はやいです。（③）
Mr. Suzuki is good at numbers and always calculates quickly.

風かぜが強つよくて電車でんしゃが止とまっています。（④）
The wind is strong, so the train has stopped.

ひもを強つよく結むすばないとすぐにほどけますよ。（⑤）
It will come undone quickly if you don’t tie the string tightly.

この絵えは赤あかが強つよいですね。（⑥）
This painting has a strong red color.

丈夫じょうぶ (JLPT N5)

[Meanings]
① Sturdy and not easily broken objects
② Healthy and strong body

[Examples]
このスマホは丈夫じょうぶで落おとしても壊こわれません。（①）
This smartphone is durable and won’t break even if dropped.

この生地きじは丈夫じょうぶで長ながく着きられますよ。（①）
This fabric is sturdy and can be worn for a long time.

丈夫じょうぶな赤あかちゃんが生うまれました。（②）
A healthy baby was born.

弟おとうとはやせていますが風邪かぜもひかないし丈夫じょうぶです。（②）
My younger brother is skinny, but he never catches a cold and is strong.

Let’s Compare

“強つよい” primarily refers to physical strength and durability, as well as mental toughness and capability.
On the other hand, “丈夫じょうぶ” focuses only on the physical aspect, indicating that an object or body is not easily broken and has durability and longevity.

[Examples]
たろうくんはまだ5才さいなのに力ちからがとても強つよいです。
Taro is only five years old, but he is very strong. (Physical strength)

これは水みずに強つよい紙かみです。
This is a paper that is strong against water. (Physical durability)

このいすはとても丈夫じょうぶで何なん年ねんも使つかえます。
This chair is very durable and can be used for many years. (Durability and longevity of objects)

祖父そふは90才さいだけど歯はが丈夫じょうぶです。
My grandfather is 90 years old, but his teeth are strong. (Durability and longevity of the body)

Looking at the examples above, you might think that both “強つよい” and “丈夫じょうぶ” can be used for physical things. However, these words have slightly different meanings.
Let’s look at the following examples to see the differences.

[Examples]
これは水みずに強つよい和紙わしです。
This is Japanese paper that is strong against water.

汗あせに強つよいマスカラがほしいです。
I want a mascara that is strong against sweat.
⇒ When using “強つよい,” it is specified what the strength is against.

これは丈夫じょうぶな和紙わしです。
This is a durable Japanese paper.

この家いえは丈夫じょうぶなので長ながく住すめます。
This house is sturdy so that you can live in it for a long time.
⇒ “丈夫じょうぶ” indicates the durability and longevity of the object itself. It not only refers to durability but also includes longevity, meaning it has the strength to withstand the passage of time.

Summary

[強つよい]

• Refers to physical strength and durability, as well as mental toughness and capability.

[丈夫じょうぶ]

• Refers to the durability and longevity of objects or the body, focusing on the physical aspect.

Quiz

Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.

Click on the question to check the answer.

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