noun
Refers to a military person, especially a seasoned or strong fighter. Often used in historical or dramatic contexts.
彼は戦国時代の兵のような勇敢さを持っている。
He has the bravery of a warrior from the Warring States period.
この城には多くの兵が駐屯していた。
Many soldiers were stationed at this castle.
noun
strong person; capable person; master
Figurative use: a person of great ability, courage, or strength in any field, not just military. Often written in kana.
彼は業界のつわものとして知られている。
He is known as a master in the industry.
あの新人はなかなかのつわものだ。
That newcomer is quite a capable person.
Derived from classical Japanese つはもの, originally meaning 'weapon' or 'armor', later shifting to 'soldier' and then to 'strong person'. The kanji 兵 is an ateji for the soldier sense; 強者 is a later semantic spelling for the figurative sense.