Meaning and Usage
"増強" (ぞうきょう) means to reinforce, strengthen, or increase something, often used in formal or technical contexts. It can refer to physical strength, security measures, military forces, or abstract concepts like power or capacity.
Common Contexts
You will often see "増強" in news reports about military or security, technology updates, or health and fitness discussions. It implies a deliberate effort to make something stronger or more effective.
Collocations and Patterns
- 増強する: to reinforce or strengthen something.
- 体力増強: physical strength enhancement.
- セキュリティ増強: security reinforcement.
- 軍隊増強: military buildup.
Usage Notes
"増強" is more formal and technical than simple words like "増やす" (to increase). It is often used in written language or formal speech. Avoid using it in casual conversation where simpler terms are preferred.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "増強" with "増加" (ぞうか), which also means increase but is more general and neutral. "増強" implies strengthening or reinforcing, not just increasing in number.