Translation guide
A place that is strongly defended or a center of support for a particular group or idea. In Japanese, the translation depends on whether you mean a physical fortress, a metaphorical base of operations, or a figurative center of influence.
A building or area that is strongly defended against attack, such as a castle or military fort.
General term for a fortress or stronghold; used for military fortifications.
その要塞は難攻不落だった。
That stronghold was impregnable.
A fort or stronghold, often smaller or more temporary than 要塞. Can be used literally or figuratively.
彼らは山の上に砦を築いた。
They built a stronghold on the mountain.
A fortress or citadel, often referring to a castle-like stronghold. Slightly more literary or historical.
中世の城塞が今も残っている。
Medieval strongholds still remain today.
A place where a particular group or idea is strongly supported or from which they operate, like a political stronghold or a company's headquarters.
Base of operations, foothold, or stronghold. Very common for organizational or strategic locations.
その地域は野党の拠点だ。
That region is a stronghold of the opposition party.
彼らは新しいビジネスの拠点を東京に置いた。
They established a stronghold for their new business in Tokyo.
Home base, headquarters, or stronghold. Often used for sports teams, companies, or groups.
Literally 'tusk castle'; figuratively a stronghold or bastion of power, often used in political or business contexts. Somewhat literary.
A place or group that is a major center for a particular activity, belief, or quality.
Used metaphorically to mean a place that attracts many people with a shared interest; a mecca or stronghold of something.
この街はアニメファンのメッカだ。
This town is a stronghold for anime fans.
Sacred place; often used figuratively for a place that is a stronghold or mecca for fans of something.
要塞 (yōsai) is a large military fortress. 砦 (toride) is a smaller fort or strongpoint, often temporary. 拠点 (kyoten) is a base of operations, used for organizations, businesses, or military. For metaphorical strongholds like political bases, 拠点 is the most natural choice.
Avoid directly translating 'stronghold' as 強い場所 (tsuyoi basho) or 強固な場所 (kyōko na basho); these sound unnatural. Use the appropriate term based on context.
The team's stronghold is Osaka.
He is trying to break down the stronghold of the political establishment.
Akihabara is called a stronghold for otaku.