丈夫な
This word means strong, durable, and healthy, often used for things that are built to last or people who are in good health.
Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we're learning 丈夫な (jōbu na). It means strong and healthy. Like a strong toy that doesn't break! Or a person who is healthy and doesn't get sick. You can say, 'My toy is 丈夫な.' This means your toy is strong. You can also say, 'He is 丈夫な.' This means he is healthy. It's a good word to know!
The word 丈夫な (jōbu na) is an adjective that means strong, durable, or healthy. You can use it to describe things that are well-made and not easily broken, like a sturdy table (丈夫なテーブル - jōbu na tēburu). You can also use it to talk about people's health, meaning they are robust and rarely get sick. For example, 'My grandfather has a 丈夫な体 (jōbu na karada),' which means his body is strong and healthy. It's a very useful word for talking about physical resilience.
丈夫な (jōbu na) is a versatile Japanese adjective meaning strong, durable, and healthy. It's used for objects that are built to last, like a 丈夫な靴 (jōbu na kutsu) – durable shoes that can withstand a lot of walking. It's also commonly used to describe a person's physical health, indicating a strong constitution and good vitality. For instance, saying someone has a 丈夫な体 (jōbu na karada) implies they are generally in good health and not prone to illness. It's a positive descriptor that conveys reliability and robustness in both inanimate and animate subjects.
The adjective 丈夫な (jōbu na) signifies robustness, durability, and good health. When applied to objects, it implies a strong construction that can withstand wear and tear, such as a 丈夫な素材 (jōbu na sozai) – a durable material. In the context of health, it denotes a strong constitution and resilience against illness, often used for people who are generally very healthy. For example, 'Despite his age, he maintains a 丈夫な体 (jōbu na karada).' It's important to note that while 丈夫な implies general good health, it's not typically used for recovery from acute illness, where other terms would be more appropriate. It carries a nuance of inherent strength and lasting quality.
丈夫な (jōbu na) encapsulates the concepts of physical fortitude, enduring quality, and robust health. Its application extends to describing the structural integrity of objects, suggesting they are built to withstand significant stress or prolonged use – think of a 丈夫な構造 (jōbu na kōzō), a sturdy structure. Metaphorically, it can also describe systems or plans that are resilient and well-conceived. When referring to health, 丈夫な denotes a strong constitution, a capacity to resist disease, and general physical vigor. It implies an underlying robustness rather than mere absence of sickness. For instance, a child described as having a 丈夫な体 is perceived as having a strong foundation for future health. The term contrasts with temporary strength or superficial health, emphasizing an intrinsic and lasting quality.
The adjective 丈夫な (jōbu na), originating from the kanji for 'measure' and 'man', historically denoted a strong, well-built man. Its semantic range has expanded to encompass durability and health across various domains. In material science or engineering contexts, it signifies high tensile strength, resistance to fatigue, and overall structural integrity, akin to 'robust' or 'hard-wearing'. When applied to biological entities, 丈夫な denotes a profound state of health characterized by resilience, vitality, and a strong immune system, often implying an inherited predisposition to well-being. It suggests a state that can withstand environmental challenges and the ravages of time. The term carries connotations of reliability and enduring substance, differentiating it from transient states of strength or superficial health. Its usage can subtly imply a lack of fragility, making it a valuable descriptor for things and beings expected to endure.
الكلمة في 30 ثانية
- 丈夫な (jōbu na) means strong, durable, and healthy.
- Used for both sturdy objects and robust health.
- It's a na-adjective, requiring な before a noun.
- Distinguish from 強い (general strong) and 健康な (simply healthy).
Hey there! Let's dive into the awesome word 丈夫な (jōbu na). This Japanese adjective is super useful because it covers a few related ideas: being strong, being durable, and being healthy. Think of it as a word that describes things or people that are built to last and can handle a lot! It's not just about brute strength, but more about a kind of enduring quality.
When we talk about objects, 丈夫な means they are sturdy and well-made. Imagine a really tough backpack that can carry heavy books without falling apart, or a sturdy wooden table that’s been around for ages. That's 丈夫な! It suggests something is reliable and won't easily break or wear out. It gives you a sense of confidence in its construction and longevity.
For people, 丈夫な means they are healthy and robust. It implies a strong constitution, someone who doesn't get sick easily and has plenty of energy. It’s the kind of health that allows you to live an active life without constant worries about your well-being. So, whether you're describing a well-built house or a person with a strong body, 丈夫な is your go-to word for conveying that sense of resilience and good condition!
The word 丈夫 (jōbu) itself has a fascinating history that adds depth to its meaning. Originally, the kanji 丈 (jō) meant 'length' or 'measure', and 夫 (bu) meant 'man' or 'husband'. Together, 丈夫 initially referred to a 'man of full stature' or a 'strong man', emphasizing physical prowess and a certain maturity. Over time, the meaning broadened from just a physically strong man to the qualities associated with him: strength, robustness, and reliability.
The evolution saw 丈夫 shift from a noun describing a type of man to an adjective describing the qualities of strength and sturdiness. This transition likely happened as people began to apply these desirable human traits to other things. If a man was considered 丈夫, his qualities of resilience and health could metaphorically be applied to objects that were similarly sturdy and long-lasting.
Interestingly, the kanji 夫 (bu) also appears in words related to marriage, like 夫婦 (fūfu - husband and wife). While the connection isn't direct in the adjective 丈夫な, the original sense of 'man' is key. The shift in meaning reflects how language adapts, taking a concrete concept (a strong man) and abstracting it to describe a broader range of qualities applicable to both people and things. It's a great example of how words can grow and change their usage over centuries!
You'll find 丈夫な used in a variety of contexts, both for physical objects and for people's health. It's a versatile adjective that conveys a sense of reliability and good condition. When describing objects, common collocations include 丈夫な体 (jōbu na karada), meaning a strong body (though this can also refer to a person's health), 丈夫な建物 (jōbu na tatemono) for a sturdy building, or 丈夫なカバン (jōbu na kaban) for a durable bag. These phrases highlight the object's ability to withstand stress or heavy use.
When referring to health, 丈夫な体 (jōbu na karada) is again very common, emphasizing a healthy physique. You might hear parents say their child has a 丈夫な体つき (jōbu na karatsuki), meaning they have a robust build. It's generally a positive descriptor, implying good health and vitality. However, it's typically used for general health or a strong constitution rather than for recovering from a specific illness; for that, you might use words like 回復 (kaifuku - recovery).
In terms of formality, 丈夫な is quite neutral and can be used in everyday conversation as well as in slightly more formal writing or speech. It's a widely understood and appreciated term. Avoid using it for abstract concepts like a 'strong argument' or 'strong economy'; for those, you'd need different vocabulary like 強い (tsuyoi) or 堅調な (kenchō na). Stick to 丈夫な for physical durability and good health!
While 丈夫な itself isn't typically part of many set idioms, the concept it represents—strength and health—is woven into various expressions. Here are some related ideas and phrases:
- 体が丈夫だ (karada ga jōbu da): This is the most direct expression, meaning 'the body is strong/healthy'. It's a common way to state someone is in good physical condition. Example: 彼は体が丈夫なので、滅多に風邪をひかない。(Kare wa karada ga jōbu na node, metta ni kaze o hinai. - Since his body is strong, he rarely catches a cold.)
- 頑丈な作り (ganjō na tsukuri): While not using 丈夫な, this phrase means 'sturdy construction' and is a close synonym when talking about objects. 頑丈 (ganjō) specifically emphasizes resistance to damage. Example: この椅子は頑丈な作りで、長く使えそうだ。(Kono isu wa ganjō na tsukuri de, nagaku tsukaesō da. - This chair has a sturdy construction and looks like it can be used for a long time.)
- 健康第一 (kenkō daiichi): This common phrase means 'Health is the most important thing'. It underscores the value placed on being healthy, a state that 丈夫な describes. Example: 何をするにも、健康第一ですからね。(Nani o suru ni mo, kenkō daiichi desu kara ne. - Whatever you do, health is the most important thing, you know.)
- ピンピンしている (pin pin shite iru): This is a casual expression for someone, usually elderly, who is very healthy and energetic, literally 'living energetically'. It's a more vivid way to describe someone who is very 丈夫. Example: うちのおばあちゃんは90歳だけど、まだピンピンしているよ。(Uchi no obāchan wa 90-sai da kedo, mada pin pin shite iru yo. - My grandma is 90 years old, but she's still very lively and healthy.)
- 鉄人 (tetsujin): Literally 'iron man', this term refers to someone with extraordinary physical strength and endurance, often used for athletes or individuals who overcome great physical challenges. It's an extreme example of being 丈夫. Example: あのマラソン選手はまさに鉄人だ。(Ano marason senshu wa masa ni tetsujin da. - That marathon runner is truly an iron man.)
These expressions, while not all directly using 丈夫な, capture the essence of its meaning in different shades and contexts, from everyday health to exceptional resilience.
Let's break down the grammar and sound of 丈夫な (jōbu na). As an adjective, it functions similarly to other 'na-adjectives' in Japanese. This means when it modifies a noun directly, you place な (na) between 丈夫 (jōbu) and the noun. For example, 丈夫な車 (jōbu na kuruma) means a durable car.
When used predicatively (at the end of a sentence, describing the subject), you typically use だ (da) or です (desu) after 丈夫 (jōbu). So, 車は丈夫だ (Kuruma wa jōbu da) means 'The car is durable', and 車は丈夫です (Kuruma wa jōbu desu) is the polite version. It doesn't change form for plural subjects; the noun it describes indicates plurality.
Pronunciation-wise, 丈夫な is pronounced roughly as 'JOH-boo nah'. Let's break it down: じょう (jō) sounds like the 'jo' in 'joke', but with a longer vowel sound. Think of holding the 'o' sound a bit longer. ぶ (bu) sounds like the 'boo' in 'book'. Finally, な (na) is like the 'na' in 'nanny'. Put it together: JOH-boo nah. The stress is fairly even across the syllables, with perhaps a slight emphasis on the first syllable 'JOH'. There aren't really common rhyming words in English that perfectly match this sound, but focusing on the long 'o' in 'jō' and the clear 'bu' and 'na' sounds will get you close!
Fun Fact
The kanji 夫 (fu/bu) originally meant 'man' or 'husband', and 丈 (jō) meant 'length' or 'measure'. The combination 丈夫 first described a tall, strong man, and its meaning evolved to describe the qualities of strength and durability.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'joh-BOO nah', with the first syllable slightly longer and stressed.
Similar to UK, 'joh-BOO nah', with a clear 'j' sound and emphasis on the second syllable.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'jō' as a short 'jo' sound.
- Adding an extra syllable or misplacing stress.
- Pronouncing 'bu' too softly.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Fairly easy to read in context.
Easy to use correctly once the na-adjective rule is understood.
Pronunciation is straightforward.
Common word, easily recognizable.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
متقدم
Grammar to Know
Na-Adjectives
丈夫な + Noun. When modifying a noun, na-adjectives require な.
Adjective Usage (Predicative)
Noun は 丈夫だ/です. Adjectives can end sentences, often with だ or です.
Sentence Structure (Subject-Object-Verb)
丈夫なカバンが欲しいです。(Jōbu na kaban ga hoshii desu. - I want a durable bag.)
Examples by Level
この おもちゃ は じょうぶな です。
This toy is strong.
Use です for polite sentences.
わたし の かばん は じょうぶな です。
My bag is durable.
かばん means bag.
けんこう は じょうぶな です。
Health is strong.
けんこう means health.
この いす は じょうぶな です。
This chair is sturdy.
いす means chair.
あかちゃん は じょうぶな からだ です。
The baby has a strong body.
あかちゃん means baby.
この くつ は じょうぶな です。
These shoes are durable.
くつ means shoes.
じょうぶな こども です。
It's a healthy child.
こども means child.
まいにち たべます。 じょうぶな からだ。
I eat every day. Strong body.
まいにち means every day.
この 机 は とても 丈夫な ので、長く 使えます。
This desk is very durable, so I can use it for a long time.
机 (tsukue) means desk.
彼は体が丈夫なので、あまり病気をしません。
Because he is healthy, he doesn't get sick much.
病気 (byōki) means illness.
丈夫な素材で作られたカバンは、旅行に最適です。
A bag made of durable material is perfect for travel.
素材 (sozai) means material.
丈夫な建物は、地震にも強いと言われています。
It is said that sturdy buildings are also strong against earthquakes.
建物 (tatemono) means building.
彼女は丈夫な体つきをしていて、スポーツ万能だ。
She has a robust build and is good at all sports.
体つき (karatsuki) means build.
この自転車は丈夫な作りなので、山道でも安心です。
This bicycle has a durable construction, so it's safe even on mountain roads.
自転車 (jitensha) means bicycle.
丈夫な苗は、病気に負けずに育ちます。
Durable seedlings grow without losing to disease.
苗 (nae) means seedling.
丈夫な心を持つことは、人生において大切です。
Having a strong spirit is important in life.
心 (kokoro) means heart/spirit.
このコートは丈夫な生地を使っているので、雨の日でも安心です。
This coat uses durable fabric, so it's reliable even on rainy days.
生地 (kiji) means fabric.
彼は幼い頃から体が丈夫で、一度も大きな病気をしたことがないそうです。
He has had a strong body since childhood, and apparently has never had a serious illness.
幼い頃 (osanai koro) means childhood.
丈夫な計画を立てれば、予期せぬ問題にも対応できるだろう。
If you make a robust plan, you should be able to handle unexpected problems.
計画 (keikaku) means plan.
このブランドの製品は、丈夫さとデザイン性を両立させていることで知られています。
Products from this brand are known for achieving both durability and design.
両立 (ryōritsu) means to coexist.
丈夫な精神力は、困難な状況を乗り越えるための大きな助けとなります。
A strong mental fortitude becomes a great help in overcoming difficult situations.
精神力 (seishinryoku) means mental strength.
丈夫な歯は、健康な食生活の基本です。
Strong teeth are fundamental to a healthy diet.
歯 (ha) means teeth.
丈夫なロープを使えば、重い荷物も安全に運べます。
If you use a strong rope, you can transport heavy luggage safely.
ロープ (rōpu) means rope.
丈夫な体作りには、バランスの取れた食事が不可欠だ。
A balanced diet is essential for building a strong body.
不可欠 (fukaketsu) means essential.
この地域の伝統的な建築様式は、丈夫な木材と合理的な設計に基づいています。
The traditional architectural style of this region is based on durable timber and rational design.
建築様式 (kenchiku yōshiki) means architectural style.
健康診断の結果、彼の体は非常に丈夫であることが証明された。
The results of his health check-up proved that his body is exceptionally robust.
健康診断 (kenkō shindan) means health check-up.
丈夫なインフラは、経済発展の基盤として極めて重要である。
Durable infrastructure is extremely important as a foundation for economic development.
インフラ (infura) means infrastructure.
彼女は逆境に立ち向かう丈夫な精神の持ち主だ。
She possesses a strong spirit capable of confronting adversity.
逆境 (gyakkyō) means adversity.
丈夫な製品を作るためには、厳格な品質管理が不可欠となる。
Strict quality control is essential for producing durable products.
品質管理 (hinshitsu kanri) means quality control.
丈夫な土壌は、作物の安定した生育を保証する。
Strong soil ensures stable crop growth.
土壌 (dojō) means soil.
この地域の気候に合った丈夫な植物を選ぶことが、ガーデニング成功の鍵だ。
Choosing durable plants suited to the region's climate is key to successful gardening.
気候 (kikō) means climate.
丈夫な絆で結ばれたチームは、どんな困難も乗り越えられる。
A team bound by strong ties can overcome any difficulty.
絆 (kizuna) means bond/tie.
その古代遺跡は、驚くほど丈夫な構造を保っており、当時の建築技術の高さを物語っている。
The ancient ruins maintain a remarkably durable structure, testifying to the high level of architectural technology of the time.
遺跡 (iseki) means ruins.
丈夫な免疫システムは、現代社会における感染症のリスクを軽減する上で不可欠な要素である。
A robust immune system is an essential factor in mitigating the risk of infectious diseases in modern society.
免疫システム (men'eki shisutemu) means immune system.
丈夫な市民社会の形成は、民主主義の健全な発展に寄与する。
The formation of a strong civil society contributes to the healthy development of democracy.
市民社会 (shimin shakai) means civil society.
丈夫な経済基盤があってこそ、持続可能な成長が可能となる。
Sustainable growth is only possible with a robust economic foundation.
経済基盤 (keizai kiban) means economic foundation.
彼は、幾多の困難にも揺るがない丈夫な精神力を持ち合わせていた。
He possessed a strong spirit, unshaken by numerous hardships.
幾多 (ikuta) means numerous.
丈夫な法的枠組みは、社会の安定と秩序を維持するために不可欠である。
A robust legal framework is indispensable for maintaining social stability and order.
法的枠組み (hōteki wakugumi) means legal framework.
この材料は、極限環境下でもその丈夫さを失わない。
This material does not lose its durability even under extreme conditions.
極限環境 (kyokugen kankyō) means extreme environment.
丈夫な人間関係は、人生における困難を乗り越えるための精神的な支えとなる。
Strong human relationships serve as mental support for overcoming life's difficulties.
人間関係 (ningen kankei) means human relationships.
その芸術作品は、時代を超えてその丈夫さを保ち、鑑賞者に深い感銘を与える。
The artwork retains its integrity across eras, leaving a profound impression on viewers.
鑑賞者 (kanshôsha) means viewer/admirer.
丈夫な政治体制は、国家の長期的な繁栄と安定の礎となる。
A resilient political system forms the bedrock of a nation's long-term prosperity and stability.
政治体制 (seiji taisei) means political system.
彼の論文は、既存の理論に対する丈夫な反論を展開し、学術界に一石を投じた。
His thesis presented a robust rebuttal to existing theories, causing a stir in the academic world.
反論 (hanron) means rebuttal.
丈夫な生態系は、環境変動に対する回復力を持ち、生物多様性を維持する。
A robust ecosystem possesses resilience against environmental changes and maintains biodiversity.
生態系 (seitaikei) means ecosystem.
この小説は、登場人物たちの丈夫な精神描写を通じて、人間の強靭さを探求している。
This novel explores human resilience through the robust portrayal of its characters' spirits.
強靭さ (kyōjinsa) means toughness/resilience.
丈夫な文化的伝統は、社会のアイデンティティを形成し、世代を超えて継承される。
Enduring cultural traditions shape societal identity and are passed down through generations.
文化的伝統 (bunkateki dentō) means cultural tradition.
丈夫な記録保持は、歴史的正確性を担保し、将来の研究に不可欠な資料を提供する。
Robust record-keeping ensures historical accuracy and provides essential data for future research.
記録保持 (kiroku hoji) means record-keeping.
丈夫な自己肯定感は、個人の幸福と社会への貢献の基盤となる。
A strong sense of self-worth forms the basis for individual well-being and societal contribution.
自己肯定感 (jiko kōteikan) means self-esteem.
تلازمات شائعة
Idioms & Expressions
"体が丈夫だ (karada ga jōbu da)"
To have a strong and healthy body.
彼は体が丈夫なので、どんな仕事でもこなせる。(Kare wa karada ga jōbu na node, donna shigoto demo konaseru. - Since he has a strong body, he can handle any job.)
neutral"丈夫な体つき (jōbu na karatsuki)"
Having a robust or sturdy physical build.
その力士は、丈夫な体つきをしており、迫力満点だった。(Sono rikishi wa, jōbu na karatsuki o shite ori, hakuryoku manten datta. - That sumo wrestler had a robust build and was full of power.)
neutral"丈夫な神経 (jōbu na shinkei)"
Having strong nerves; being resilient or unflappable, especially under pressure.
彼はプレッシャーの中でも冷静でいられる、丈夫な神経の持ち主だ。(Kare wa puresshā no naka demo reisei de irareru, jōbu na shinkei no mochinushi da. - He has strong nerves, able to remain calm even under pressure.)
neutral/slightly informal"丈夫な声で (jōbu na koe de)"
To speak or sing with a strong, clear, and resonant voice.
彼は丈夫な声でスピーチを始め、会場全体に響き渡った。(Kare wa jōbu na koe de supīchi o hajime, kaijō zentai ni hibikiwatatta. - He began his speech with a strong voice that echoed throughout the entire venue.)
neutral"丈夫な作り (jōbu na tsukuri)"
A sturdy or durable construction/make.
この家具は丈夫な作りなので、孫の代まで使えるだろう。(Kono kagu wa jōbu na tsukuri na node, mago no dai made tsukaeru darō. - This furniture is sturdily made, so it will likely last for generations.)
neutral"丈夫な意志 (jōbu na ishi)"
A strong will or determination.
彼女は丈夫な意志を持っており、目標達成のために努力を惜しまない。(Kanojo wa jōbu na ishi o motte ori, mokuhyō tassei no tame ni doryoku o oshinai. - She has a strong will and spares no effort to achieve her goals.)
neutralEasily Confused
Both mean 'strong'.
丈夫な specifically implies physical durability, sturdiness, and good health. 強い is a general term for strength, applicable to physical power, emotions, abstract concepts (economy, argument), and even taste/smell.
丈夫な体 (jōbu na karada - healthy body) vs 強い意志 (tsuyoi ishi - strong will); 丈夫な素材 (jōbu na sozai - durable material) vs 強い力 (tsuyoi chikara - strong power).
Both relate to health.
丈夫な implies a robust, resilient constitution – someone who is generally healthy and not easily sick. 健康な simply means 'healthy' in a general sense, the absence of illness.
彼は丈夫な体をしている (Kare wa jōbu na karada o shite iru - He has a robust body) vs 彼は健康な人だ (Kare wa kenkō na hito da - He is a healthy person).
Both mean 'sturdy' or 'durable' for objects.
丈夫な can also mean healthy when applied to people. 頑丈な almost exclusively refers to the physical sturdiness and resistance to damage of objects.
丈夫なカバン (jōbu na kaban - durable bag) and 頑丈なカバン (ganjō na kaban - sturdy bag) are similar. But only 丈夫な can describe a person's health (丈夫な体).
It's the direct opposite in meaning regarding durability.
丈夫な means durable/strong, while 壊れやすい means fragile/easily broken.
This vase is 丈夫な (durable) vs. This vase is 壊れやすい (fragile).
Sentence Patterns
丈夫な + Noun
丈夫な靴は長く履ける。(Jōbu na kutsu wa nagaku hakeru. - Durable shoes can be worn for a long time.)
Noun は/が 丈夫だ/です。
この机は丈夫です。(Kono tsukue wa jōbu desu. - This desk is sturdy.)
Noun は 丈夫な + Noun を持っている。
彼は丈夫な体を持っている。(Kare wa jōbu na karada o motte iru. - He has a strong body.)
丈夫な + Noun + は/が...
丈夫な素材で作られた服は、洗濯しても縮みにくい。(Jōbu na sozai de tsukurareta fuku wa, sentaku shite mo chijiminikui. - Clothes made from durable materials are less likely to shrink even after washing.)
丈夫な + Noun + なので/から...
この道具は丈夫なので、どんな作業にも使えます。(Kono dōgu wa jōbu na node, donna sagyō ni mo tsukaemasu. - This tool is durable, so it can be used for any kind of work.)
عائلة الكلمة
Nouns
Adjectives
مرتبط
How to Use It
Formality Scale
أخطاء شائعة
丈夫な is primarily for physical durability and health. For abstract concepts like economic strength, political power, or strong opinions, 強い (tsuyoi) is the appropriate word.
丈夫な means durable/strong, while 壊れやすい means fragile/easily broken. They are antonyms in the context of durability.
丈夫な implies a generally strong constitution. If someone has recovered from a temporary illness, use terms like 元気になった (got better) or 回復した (recovered).
As a na-adjective, 丈夫 needs な before the noun it modifies. Forgetting this particle is a common grammatical error.
While 丈夫な implies resilience, it's not typically used for abstract 'toughness' in situations. Use 厳しい (strict/severe) or 困難な (difficult) instead.
Tips
Visualize Durability
When you encounter 丈夫な, picture a well-built object like a sturdy wooden table or a tough leather bag. Imagine it lasting for years without breaking. This visual link helps solidify the meaning of durability.
Health Check!
Use 丈夫な for general good health, especially a strong constitution. Think 'robust health'. If someone just recovered from a cold, they are 元気になった (got better), not necessarily 丈夫になった (became robust).
Value of Resilience
Japanese culture often values resilience and endurance. 丈夫な reflects this, whether it's a product that lasts or a person with strong health.
The Essential 'na'
Remember that 丈夫な is a 'na-adjective'. Always put な between 丈夫 and the noun it modifies (丈夫な + noun). Forgetting this is a common mistake!
Long 'O' Sound
Pay attention to the 'jō' sound in 丈夫. It's a long 'o' sound, like in the English word 'go' but held slightly longer. This distinguishes it from a short 'jo' sound.
Don't Mix with 'Tsuyoi'
While both mean 'strong', 丈夫な is for physical durability/health, while 強い is broader. Think 'sturdy/healthy' vs. 'powerful/intense'.
From 'Man' to 'Material'
The kanji for 丈夫 originally meant 'strong man'. Language evolved, and now it describes the strength and durability of objects too!
Contextual Flashcards
Create flashcards with 丈夫な. On one side, write the word. On the other, write a short sentence using it (e.g., '丈夫な靴'). This reinforces usage and meaning.
丈夫 vs. 頑丈
丈夫な and 頑丈な are very similar for objects. 丈夫な can also mean healthy, while 頑丈な almost exclusively refers to physical sturdiness. Use 丈夫な for both people and things, but 頑丈な mainly for things.
Your Belongings
Think about your own belongings. Which ones are 丈夫な? Your backpack? Your favorite mug? Your phone case? Practice describing them!
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'Jolly' (Jō-) 'Buffalo' (-bu) that is incredibly 'Nice' (-na) and strong, never getting sick and never breaking!
Visual Association
Picture a sturdy, old oak tree (丈夫な木 - jōbu na ki) that has weathered many storms and still stands tall and healthy.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Describe three things in your room using 丈夫な. Then, describe how you want your own body to be using 丈夫な.
أصل الكلمة
Japanese
Original meaning: Originally referred to a man of full stature or a strong man (丈 'measure' + 夫 'man').
السياق الثقافي
Generally a positive and neutral term. No major cultural sensitivities associated with its use.
In English-speaking cultures, the concepts of 'durability' (for objects) and 'health' (for people) are distinct. While 'strong' can sometimes bridge the gap, specific words like 'sturdy', 'robust', 'hard-wearing', 'healthy', and 'vigorous' are often used depending on the context.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Describing possessions
- 丈夫なカバン (jōbu na kaban) - durable bag
- 丈夫な靴 (jōbu na kutsu) - sturdy shoes
- 丈夫な家具 (jōbu na kagu) - durable furniture
Talking about health
- 丈夫な体 (jōbu na karada) - strong/healthy body
- 体が丈夫だ (karada ga jōbu da) - to have a strong body
- 丈夫な子供 (jōbu na kodomo) - healthy child
Discussing construction/materials
- 丈夫な素材 (jōbu na sozai) - durable material
- 丈夫な作り (jōbu na tsukuri) - sturdy construction
- 丈夫な建物 (jōbu na tatemono) - sturdy building
Describing resilience
- 丈夫な心 (jōbu na kokoro) - strong spirit
- 丈夫な声 (jōbu na koe) - strong voice
- 丈夫な意志 (jōbu na ishi) - strong will
Conversation Starters
"What's the most 丈夫な thing you own?"
"Do you think it's important to have a 丈夫な body? Why?"
"What kind of 丈夫な material do you think is best for outdoor gear?"
"Can you think of a time when something 丈夫な saved the day?"
"How can we raise children to have 丈夫な minds and bodies?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you relied on a 丈夫な object.
Describe someone you know who has a 丈夫な体. What makes them seem so healthy?
Reflect on the importance of 丈夫な infrastructure in a community.
Imagine you are designing a product to be extremely 丈夫. What would it be and why?
الأسئلة الشائعة
8 أسئلة丈夫な focuses on physical durability and health, implying something is well-built and resistant to wear or illness. 強い is a more general term for 'strong' and can apply to physical strength, emotional resilience, power, taste, and more abstract concepts.
Generally no. While it can describe a 'strong spirit' (丈夫な心), it's usually tied to inherent resilience. For abstract concepts like a strong economy or a strong argument, 強い (tsuyoi) is preferred.
Not directly. 丈夫な describes a state of being generally healthy and robust. For recovery, you'd use terms like 元気になる (genki ni naru - to get better) or 回復する (kaifuku suru - to recover).
It's pronounced roughly 'JOH-boo nah', with the 'JOH' sound being slightly longer and carrying a bit more stress.
Common examples include sturdy furniture, durable clothing, healthy bodies, well-built houses, and strong tools.
丈夫な itself is neutral. You make the sentence polite by adding です (desu) at the end, e.g., 'この椅子は丈夫です。(Kono isu wa jōbu desu.)'
頑丈な (ganjō na) is a very close synonym, often emphasizing resistance to damage.
Yes, you can say a baby has a 丈夫な体 (jōbu na karada), meaning they are healthy and robust.
اختبر نفسك
この 椅子 は とても ______ です。
The sentence describes a chair, and '丈夫な' means sturdy or durable, which fits the context.
Which word means 'durable' when talking about an object?
丈夫な is used to describe things that are strong and durable.
丈夫な can be used to describe someone who is very sick.
丈夫な means healthy or strong; the opposite of sick. 病気な (byōki na) means sick.
Word
المعنى
These pairs show common collocations of 丈夫な.
The correct sentence is 'この丈夫な作りのカバンは長持ちする。' (This sturdily made bag lasts a long time.)
彼は______精神の持ち主なので、どんな困難にも立ち向かえる。
The sentence implies resilience against difficulties, so '丈夫な精神' (strong spirit) is the correct fit.
Which of the following best describes the nuance of 丈夫な when applied to infrastructure?
丈夫な implies durability and the ability to withstand stress over time, fitting the concept of robust infrastructure.
Create a sentence using 丈夫な to describe a product known for its quality.
This sentence correctly uses 丈夫な to describe the quality of products.
丈夫な______は、社会の安定に不可欠である。
The context suggests something physical and foundational for society, making 'infrastructure' (インフラ) the most fitting choice for 'durable infrastructure'.
Translate: 'He has a strong constitution and rarely gets sick.'
This translation accurately conveys the meaning using 丈夫な for 'strong constitution'.
النتيجة: /10
Summary
丈夫な describes things and people built to last and withstand challenges, conveying reliability and robustness.
- 丈夫な (jōbu na) means strong, durable, and healthy.
- Used for both sturdy objects and robust health.
- It's a na-adjective, requiring な before a noun.
- Distinguish from 強い (general strong) and 健康な (simply healthy).
Visualize Durability
When you encounter 丈夫な, picture a well-built object like a sturdy wooden table or a tough leather bag. Imagine it lasting for years without breaking. This visual link helps solidify the meaning of durability.
Health Check!
Use 丈夫な for general good health, especially a strong constitution. Think 'robust health'. If someone just recovered from a cold, they are 元気になった (got better), not necessarily 丈夫になった (became robust).
Value of Resilience
Japanese culture often values resilience and endurance. 丈夫な reflects this, whether it's a product that lasts or a person with strong health.
The Essential 'na'
Remember that 丈夫な is a 'na-adjective'. Always put な between 丈夫 and the noun it modifies (丈夫な + noun). Forgetting this is a common mistake!
Related Content
هذه الكلمة بلغات أخرى
مزيد من كلمات general
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2About, concerning; indicates topic.
〜について
B1About, concerning; on the subject of.
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
ごろ
A2About, approximately (time).
うえ
A2At a higher position than.
絶対
B1Absolutely; definitely; never.
絶対に
B1Absolutely; definitely.
