How to say "powerful" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 強力きょうりょくna-adjective, nounCovers 'powerful' as potent and effective: a powerful medicine, glue, or ally. It points to sheer working strength — how strongly something acts or supports — rather than a person's physical strength.
- 力強いちからづよいi-adjectiveCovers 'powerful' as forceful and vigorous: a powerful voice, handshake, or stride. It paints strength you can see or feel in movement and action, full of energy and drive.
- na-adjective, nounThe direct borrowing of English 'powerful', used for energetic, dynamic force — a powerful singer, performance, or engine. It suggests lively, high-energy power more than weight or might.
- 強大きょうだいna-adjective, nounCovers 'powerful' in the sense of mighty: vast, overwhelming power of the kind wielded by nations, armies, or rulers. Not the word for everyday or personal strength.
- 強いつよいi-adjectiveThe plain, all-purpose word for 'strong': physically strong or brawny, in good health, and much else besides. When plain 'strong' fits, this is usually the word you want.
Choose 「強い」 for plain 'strong', 強力 for potent, effective things, 「力強い」 for forceful, vigorous action, 強大 for vast, mighty power, and 「パワフル」 for energetic dynamism.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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