Translation guide
Describes a physically powerful or mentally resilient man. Japanese has several words for this, each with different nuances and contexts.
To refer to a man with great physical strength or a muscular build.
Literally 'strength holder'. A common, neutral term for a physically strong man, often used in everyday conversation.
彼は力持ちだから、重い荷物も簡単に運べる。
He's a strong man, so he can easily carry heavy luggage.
A somewhat old-fashioned or literary term for a man of great physical strength and fortitude. Often used in historical contexts.
彼は戦国時代の剛の者のような体格をしている。
He has the physique of a strong man from the Warring States period.
Emphasizes toughness and resilience, both physical and mental. '強靭' means 'tough, tenacious'. More descriptive and less common in casual speech.
彼は強靭な男で、どんな困難にも立ち向かう。
He is a strong man who faces any difficulty.
To describe a man with inner strength, resilience, or strong will.
A straightforward and common phrase meaning 'strong man'. Can refer to both physical and mental strength depending on context.
彼は精神的に強い男だ。
He is a mentally strong man.
Explicitly refers to a man with a strong heart/mind. Emphasizes emotional resilience.
彼は心の強い男で、どんな批判にも動じない。
He is a strong-hearted man who is unfazed by any criticism.
Means 'a man of strong will'. Focuses on determination and resolve.
彼は意志の強い男で、一度決めたことは必ずやり遂げる。
He is a strong-willed man who always follows through on his decisions.
To refer to a man with authority, influence, or a commanding presence.
A person of real ability or influence. Often used in political or business contexts to describe a powerful figure.
彼は会社の実力者で、陰で大きな影響力を持っている。
He is a strong man in the company, wielding great influence behind the scenes.
An influential person, often with wealth or status. Common in news and formal settings.
Literally 'big shot'. A colloquial term for a person of great importance or influence, often in entertainment, politics, or crime.
To refer to a performer or athlete who demonstrates feats of strength.
Literally 'superhuman strength man'. Used for circus strongmen or fictional characters with extraordinary strength.
サーカスの怪力男が鉄の棒を曲げるパフォーマンスを見せた。
The circus strong man performed bending an iron bar.
Loanword from English, used specifically for the sport of strongman competitions (e.g., World's Strongest Man).
彼はストロングマン大会で優勝した。
He won the strongman competition.
Directly translating 'strong man' as '強い男' is grammatically correct but can sound vague or overly simplistic. Use more specific terms based on the type of strength you mean.
地元の有力者が集まって、新しいプロジェクトについて話し合った。
Local strong men gathered to discuss the new project.
彼は業界の大物で、誰もが一目置いている。
He's a strong man in the industry, respected by everyone.