Meaning and Usage
"強い" (つよい) primarily means "strong" or "powerful." It can describe physical strength, mental toughness, or the intensity of something like a flavor or effect.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "強い" used to describe people (athletes, fighters), objects (strong wind, strong medicine), and abstract qualities (strong will, strong resistance).
Collocations and Patterns
- 強い選手 (つよいせんしゅ): a strong player or athlete
- 強い効果 (つよいこうか): strong effect
- 寒さに強い (さむさにつよい): strong against cold (resistant)
Nuances
Using "強い" implies a notable degree of power or resistance. It is a common adjective in everyday conversation and is neutral in politeness.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "強い" with "硬い" (かたい, hard) or "濃い" (こい, strong flavor). Remember "強い" focuses on strength or power, not hardness or thickness.