Translation guide
In Japanese, describing a 'strong person' depends on the type of strength: physical, mental, emotional, or social. The most common and versatile word is 強い人 (tsuyoi hito), but other expressions capture resilience, toughness, or fortitude.
Describing someone with great physical power or athletic ability.
The most direct and common way to say 'strong person' in a general sense, including physical strength.
彼はとても強い人だ。
He is a very strong person.
Literally 'strength-holder', a person known for physical strength, often used for someone who can lift heavy things.
あの人は力持ちですね。
That person is really strong, isn't he?
A literary or formal term for great physical strength, often used in historical or fictional contexts.
彼は剛力無双の戦士だ。
He is a warrior of peerless strength.
Describing someone with resilience, fortitude, or the ability to endure hardship.
Literally 'person with a strong heart/mind', the most natural way to express mental or emotional strength.
彼女は心が強い人だから、大丈夫だよ。
She's a strong person mentally, so she'll be fine.
Emphasizes 'mental strength' or 'willpower'. Slightly more formal or analytical.
精神力が強い人は、困難に負けない。
A person with strong mental fortitude doesn't give in to hardship.
Literally 'resistant to being hit', meaning someone who can take criticism or setbacks well, resilient.
彼は打たれ強い人だから、失敗してもすぐ立ち直る。
He's a resilient person, so he bounces back quickly even after failure.
Loanword 'tough', used for both physical and mental toughness, common in casual speech.
あの人は本当にタフな人だね。
That person is really tough, isn't he?
Describing someone with integrity, determination, or a strong sense of self.
Focuses on strong will or determination, often used for someone who sticks to their goals.
意志が強い人は、誘惑に負けない。
A strong-willed person doesn't give in to temptation.
Implies a strong, assertive, or sometimes stubborn personality. Can have a nuance of being headstrong.
彼女は気が強い人だから、自分の意見をはっきり言う。
She's a strong-minded person, so she speaks her mind clearly.
Literally 'strong person', often used in contrast to '弱者' (weak person) in philosophical, social, or competitive contexts. Can sound abstract.
Describing someone who excels or is formidable in a particular area.
Pattern meaning 'a person strong in ~'. Replace 〜 with the area (e.g., 数字に強い人 'good with numbers', 交渉に強い人 'strong negotiator').
彼は数字に強い人だ。
He's a person who's good with numbers.
交渉に強い人を探しています。
We're looking for someone strong in negotiation.
Simply saying 「強い人」 without context often defaults to physical strength. To clearly express mental or emotional strength, use phrases like 「心が強い人」 or 「精神力が強い人」.
「気が強い」 often implies a forceful or assertive personality, sometimes with a nuance of being stubborn or aggressive. 「意志が強い」 focuses on strong willpower and determination in a more positive, goal-oriented sense.
He is a truly strong person.