Translation guide
How to express 'become stronger' in Japanese, covering physical strength, intensity, skills, and abstract power.
To become physically stronger, as in building muscle or gaining bodily power.
The most common and natural way to say 'become physically stronger'. Uses the adjective 強い (strong) with the verb なる (to become).
毎日運動したら、強くなった。
I became stronger after exercising every day.
I want to become stronger.
Literally 'physical strength attaches', meaning to build up stamina or physical fitness. Often used for endurance rather than raw muscle power.
ランニングで体力がついた。
I built up my stamina through running.
Specifically refers to an increase in muscular strength. Sounds slightly technical or like fitness jargon.
トレーニングで筋力がアップした。
My muscle strength increased through training.
For things like wind, rain, light, or emotions becoming more intense or stronger.
Works for wind, rain, emotions, etc. The same pattern as physical strength, but context makes the meaning clear.
風が強くなってきた。
The wind is getting stronger.
不安が強くなった。
My anxiety became stronger.
Means 'become violent/intense'. Used for rain, wind, emotions, or actions that become fierce.
雨が激しくなった。
The rain became heavier.
A somewhat literary verb meaning 'to increase' in degree or intensity. Often used in written language.
To become stronger in a skill, such as in sports, games, or academics.
Means 'to improve' or 'make progress' in a skill. More natural than 強くなる for skills like language or sports.
日本語が上達した。
My Japanese has improved.
Can be used for competitive skills like chess or martial arts, but 上達する is often better for non-competitive skills.
将棋が強くなった。
I became stronger at shogi.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to improve one's skills'. Literally 'raise one's arm', but used figuratively.
彼は料理の腕を上げた。
He improved his cooking skills.
For things like a country, team, or argument becoming more powerful or influential.
Works for abstract strength like a team or nation becoming more powerful.
その国は経済的に強くなった。
That country became economically stronger.
Literally 'attach power', meaning to gain strength or power. Often used for organizations or individuals gaining influence.
彼は会社で力をつけてきた。
He has been gaining power in the company.
A formal, somewhat technical term meaning 'to become mighty/powerful'. Used in political or historical contexts.
帝国が強大化した。
The empire became more powerful.
The cold became more intense.