Translation guide
Describes a person who is determined, resolute, and not easily influenced by others. In Japanese, this is expressed through various adjectives and phrases that emphasize mental strength, firmness of will, and independence.
Describing someone who has a strong will and sticks to their decisions or beliefs.
Literally 'will is strong'. The most direct and common way to say someone is strong-minded in the sense of having strong willpower.
彼女は意志が強い人だ。
She is a strong-minded person.
Because he is strong-minded, he won't be defeated by any hardship.
Literally 'spirit is strong'. Implies a strong, assertive personality, sometimes with a nuance of being tough or unyielding. Can be used for both positive determination and a slightly aggressive temperament.
彼は気が強いから、自分の意見をはっきり言う。
He is strong-minded, so he speaks his opinions clearly.
Literally 'core is strong'. Describes someone with inner strength and resilience, not easily swayed. Often used for quiet determination.
彼女は芯が強いから、周りに流されない。
She is strong-minded, so she doesn't get swept along by others.
Emphasizing that the person thinks for themselves and is not swayed by peer pressure or others' opinions.
Literally 'firmly holds one's own thoughts'. A natural way to describe someone who is strong-minded in the sense of having firm opinions.
彼は自分の考えをしっかり持っている。
He is strong-minded and has his own firm opinions.
Means 'has independence/autonomy'. Used for someone who acts on their own initiative and is not dependent on others' decisions.
彼女は主体性があるから、自分で決断できる。
She is strong-minded and can make decisions on her own.
Literally 'not swept away by surroundings'. A common phrase to describe someone who doesn't follow the crowd.
彼は周りに流されない強さがある。
He has the strength to be strong-minded and not follow the crowd.
Focusing on the ability to endure hardship or pressure without giving up.
Literally 'mental strength is strong'. Directly refers to mental fortitude and resilience.
彼は精神力が強いから、プレッシャーに負けない。
He is strong-minded, so he doesn't succumb to pressure.
Literally 'resistant to being hit'. Means emotionally resilient, able to take criticism or setbacks without being discouraged.
彼女は打たれ強いから、失敗してもすぐ立ち直る。
She is strong-minded and bounces back quickly even after failure.
意志が強い (ishi ga tsuyoi) emphasizes willpower and determination, often in a positive light. 気が強い (ki ga tsuyoi) can imply a strong personality that may be seen as assertive or even stubborn. Use 意志が強い for mental resolve, and 気が強い for a forceful character.
彼は意志が強いが、気が強いわけではない。
He is strong-minded (has strong will), but not necessarily assertive.
The direct translation '強い心' (tsuyoi kokoro) is not commonly used to describe a person's character. Instead, use the phrases above to sound natural.