Meaning and Usage
"猛烈" (もうれつ) is an adjective used to describe something intense, fierce, or violent. It often conveys a strong force or emotion, such as a violent storm, fierce effort, or intense anger.
Common Contexts
It is frequently used in both physical and emotional contexts. For example, "猛烈な嵐" (a violent storm) or "猛烈に怒る" (to be fiercely angry).
Collocations and Patterns
- 猛烈な勢い (もうれつないきおい): fierce momentum or energy, used to describe strong force or enthusiasm.
- 猛烈な嵐 (もうれつなあらし): violent storm, describing extreme weather.
- 猛烈に怒る (もうれつにおこる): to be fiercely angry, expressing intense emotion.
Register and Nuance
"猛烈" is a formal and somewhat literary word, often found in written language or formal speech rather than casual conversation. It emphasizes the extremity of the intensity.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "猛烈" with simply "強い" (strong). However, "猛烈" implies not just strength but an overwhelming or fierce quality. Use it when you want to stress intensity beyond normal strength.