강력하다
강력하다 en 30 segundos
- 강력하다 means 'to be powerful' or 'to be strong' in a formal or impactful sense.
- It is a Sino-Korean word (强力) used for weather, medicine, and authority.
- Commonly modifies nouns as '강력한' (e.g., 강력한 태풍).
- It differs from '세다' (casual strength) and '강하다' (general strength).
The word 강력하다 (強力하다) is a foundational Korean adjective that describes a state of possessing immense power, force, or influence. Rooted in Hanja, the term combines 강 (强) meaning 'strong' and 력 (力) meaning 'power' or 'force'. Unlike simple physical strength (often described by '세다'), 강력하다 carries a connotation of authority, effectiveness, and overwhelming impact. It is the difference between a person being physically strong and a government policy being 'powerful' enough to change a nation. This word is indispensable for discussing everything from natural disasters to political candidates and even the efficacy of modern medicine.
- Physical Force
- Used to describe natural phenomena like typhoons or explosions where the energy is massive.
- Social Influence
- Refers to people or organizations with the authority to command or change circumstances.
- Effectiveness
- Commonly applied to cleaning agents, medicines, or arguments that produce a definitive result.
"이번 태풍은 매우 강력하다." (This typhoon is very powerful.)
When you use this word, you are signaling that the subject is not just 'strong' in a vacuum, but that its strength has the potential to overcome resistance or cause significant change. In a business context, a '강력한 브랜드' (powerful brand) is one that dominates the market. In a legal context, '강력한 증거' (strong evidence) is evidence that is nearly impossible to refute. The word bridges the gap between the physical and the abstract, making it one of the most versatile adjectives in the Korean language for expressing high intensity.
"그는 강력한 우승 후보입니다." (He is a strong candidate for the championship.)
- Semantic Range
- From the 'strong' smell of a chemical to the 'powerful' charisma of a leader.
Using 강력하다 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as a descriptive verb (adjective). It typically follows the standard conjugation patterns for '하다' adjectives. In the present tense, it becomes '강력해요' (polite) or '강력합니다' (formal). When modifying a noun, it changes to 강력한. For example, '강력한 바람' (strong wind). It is rarely used to describe a person's muscle strength in casual conversation—'힘이 세다' is preferred there—but it is used if that person's physical power is being described in a more objective or impressive way, such as in sports commentary.
"정부는 강력한 대책을 발표했습니다." (The government announced powerful/strong measures.)
One of the most common patterns is [Noun] + 이/가 + 강력하다. This structure is used to state a quality of the noun. If you are emphasizing the degree of the power, you can add adverbs like '매우' (very), '무척' (extremely), or '상당히' (considerably). In technical writing, you might see it paired with '조치' (measures), '의지' (will), or '경고' (warning). These pairings emphasize that the action taken is not just a suggestion but a forceful implementation.
- Common Collocations
- 강력한 후보 (Strong candidate), 강력한 엔진 (Powerful engine), 강력한 효과 (Strong effect).
"이 약은 효과가 매우 강력합니다." (This medicine's effect is very powerful.)
You will encounter 강력하다 in various high-stakes environments. In the news, it is the standard word for describing severe weather. Meteorologists will warn of '강력한 태풍' (powerful typhoons) or '강력한 한파' (powerful cold snaps). In the world of politics and law, news anchors discuss '강력한 법적 대응' (strong legal action) or '강력한 리더십' (strong leadership). If you watch Korean crime dramas (K-Dramas), you will often hear about the '강력반' (Gangnyeok-ban), which is the 'Violent Crimes Unit'—the detectives who handle the most serious and 'powerful' crimes like homicide.
"경찰은 강력한 수사 의지를 보였습니다." (The police showed a strong will to investigate.)
In advertising, the word is used to sell products by highlighting their superior performance. A vacuum cleaner might have '강력한 흡입력' (strong suction power), or a skincare product might offer '강력한 보습' (powerful moisturizing). In sports, commentators use it to describe a player's shot or a team's defensive line. It conveys a sense of reliability and dominance that appeals to consumers and fans alike. Even in daily life, if someone has a very strong opinion, you might say their '주장이 강력하다' (their argument/claim is strong).
- Media Usage
- Headlines often use '강력' as a prefix to save space, like '강력 추천' (Strongly recommended).
The most frequent mistake learners make is confusing 강력하다 with 강하다 or 세다. While all three translate to 'strong', they are not always interchangeable. '세다' is very colloquial and often refers to physical strength or the intensity of something like wind or a hit. '강하다' is a general term for strength, often used for character, personality, or physical durability. 강력하다, however, is more formal and implies a 'force' that produces a result or exerts influence. You wouldn't usually say your coffee is '강력하다'; you would say it is '진하다' (thick/strong) or '맛이 세다'.
"커피가 강력해요 (X) -> 커피가 진해요 (O)"
Another mistake is using it to describe a person's health. To say someone is physically healthy and strong, '건강하다' or '튼튼하다' are the correct choices. '강력하다' applied to a person usually refers to their power in a hierarchy or their competitive standing. Furthermore, learners sometimes forget that '강력하다' is an adjective and try to use it as a verb. While you can '강력히 주장하다' (strongly claim - using the adverbial form), the base word describes a state, not an action.
- Confusing Pairs
- 강력하다 vs. 강렬하다 (Intense/Vivid). '강렬하다' is for things like sunlight or colors.
Several words share a semantic field with 강력하다, but each has its own flavor. 강하다 (Strong) is the most common synonym, but it is more general. 막강하다 (Mighty/Unrivaled) is even stronger than '강력하다' and is often used for military power or an unbeatable sports team. 위력적이다 (Powerful/Influential) focuses on the '위력' (might/power) that can intimidate others or produce a massive physical effect, like a powerful punch or a weapon.
"그 팀은 막강한 수비력을 자랑합니다." (That team boasts an unrivaled defense.)
Then there is 강렬하다 (Intense), which is often confused with '강력하다'. '강렬하다' is used for sensory experiences—a '강렬한 색' (intense color) or '강렬한 인상' (a strong/vivid impression). If you want to describe something that is physically sturdy, use 견고하다 or 탄탄하다. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the word that fits the specific 'type' of strength you are trying to convey, moving your Korean from basic to advanced levels.
- Comparison Table
- 강력하다: Functional/Impactful power. | 강하다: General strength. | 막강하다: Overwhelming/Supreme power.
How Formal Is It?
Nivel de dificultad
Gramática que debes saber
하다 adjectives
Noun modification with -ㄴ/은
Adverbial suffix -히
Honorifics with -습니다
Comparison with -보다
Ejemplos por nivel
바람이 강력해요.
The wind is powerful.
강력하다 + -아요/어요
이 팀은 강력해요.
This team is powerful.
Subject + 이/가 + 강력하다
강력한 풀이 필요해요.
I need strong glue.
Adjective form: 강력한
그는 강력한 사람이에요.
He is a powerful person.
Noun modification
이 차는 엔진이 강력해요.
This car's engine is powerful.
Topic + Noun + 이/가 + 강력하다
강력한 태풍이 와요.
A powerful typhoon is coming.
Present tense
청소기가 강력해요.
The vacuum cleaner is powerful.
Simple description
강력한 빛이 보여요.
I see a powerful light.
Adjective + Noun
이 약은 효과가 강력합니다.
This medicine has a powerful effect.
Formal ending -습니다
강력한 자석을 사용하세요.
Use a powerful magnet.
Imperative with -세요
그는 강력한 우승 후보예요.
He is a strong candidate for the win.
Compound noun phrase
강력한 세제가 필요해요.
I need a powerful detergent.
Adjective usage
이 소리는 너무 강력해요.
This sound is too powerful.
Adverb '너무' + 강력하다
강력한 에어컨을 샀어요.
I bought a powerful air conditioner.
Past tense -았/었어요
그의 슛은 강력했습니다.
His shot was powerful.
Past tense formal
강력한 보호가 필요합니다.
Strong protection is needed.
Passive context
정부는 강력한 대책을 세웠습니다.
The government established strong measures.
Object '대책' (measures)
이 책을 강력히 추천합니다.
I strongly recommend this book.
Adverbial form '강력히'
그의 주장은 매우 강력했습니다.
His argument was very powerful.
Abstract noun '주장' (argument)
강력한 리더십이 필요한 때입니다.
It is a time when strong leadership is needed.
Noun clause with -는 때
그 영화는 강력한 메시지를 담고 있어요.
That movie contains a powerful message.
-고 있다 (progressive/state)
강력한 경쟁자가 나타났습니다.
A powerful competitor has appeared.
Subject '경쟁자' (competitor)
그는 강력한 의지로 병을 이겨냈어요.
He overcame the illness with strong will.
Instrumental particle -로 (with/by)
이 지역은 강력한 규제가 적용됩니다.
Strong regulations are applied to this area.
Passive construction
강력한 폭풍우가 도시를 강타했습니다.
A powerful rainstorm hit the city.
Verb '강타하다' (to hit hard)
그 회사는 강력한 브랜드 파워를 가지고 있다.
The company has powerful brand power.
Plain style -ㄴ다
경찰은 강력범죄 소탕에 나섰다.
The police set out to crack down on violent crimes.
Compound word '강력범죄'
그의 연설은 청중에게 강력한 인상을 남겼다.
His speech left a powerful impression on the audience.
Idiom '인상을 남기다'
강력한 자외선 차단제를 바르세요.
Apply a powerful UV blocker (sunscreen).
Technical term '자외선 차단제'
그 나라는 강력한 군사력을 보유하고 있다.
The country possesses powerful military strength.
Formal verb '보유하다'
강력한 반대 의견에 부딪혔습니다.
It ran into strong opposing opinions.
Verb '부딪히다' (to encounter/hit)
이 엔진은 강력한 출력을 자랑합니다.
This engine boasts powerful output.
Verb '자랑하다' (to boast/feature)
그의 논문은 강력한 설득력을 지니고 있다.
His thesis possesses powerful persuasiveness.
Formal verb '지니다'
강력한 사회적 압박이 변화를 이끌어냈다.
Strong social pressure led to change.
Causative '이끌어내다'
이 소설은 강력한 서사적 구조를 보여준다.
This novel shows a powerful narrative structure.
Literary term '서사적'
강력한 자기장이 발생하는 실험입니다.
It is an experiment where a powerful magnetic field is generated.
Scientific context
그는 강력한 카리스마로 조직을 장악했다.
He took control of the organization with powerful charisma.
Verb '장악하다' (to dominate/seize)
강력한 폭발음과 함께 건물이 흔들렸다.
The building shook with a powerful explosion sound.
Conjunction '-와 함께'
강력한 경제 제재가 단행되었습니다.
Strong economic sanctions were implemented.
Formal verb '단행되다'
그녀의 연기는 강력한 흡입력이 있었다.
Her acting had a powerful drawing power (captivating).
Metaphorical '흡입력'
강력한 국가 권력의 오남용을 경계해야 한다.
We must guard against the abuse of powerful state power.
Political terminology
그 이론은 강력한 반증 사례에 직면했다.
The theory faced powerful counter-evidence cases.
Academic term '반증'
강력한 실존적 위기가 그를 변화시켰다.
A powerful existential crisis changed him.
Philosophical context
강력한 법적 구속력을 갖는 합의서입니다.
It is an agreement that has powerful legal binding force.
Legal term '구속력'
강력한 문화적 헤게모니가 언어에 반영된다.
Powerful cultural hegemony is reflected in language.
Sociological term '헤게모니'
강력한 인과관계가 증명되지 않았습니다.
A strong causal relationship has not been proven.
Logical term '인과관계'
강력한 폭발적 성장이 예상되는 시장입니다.
It is a market where powerful explosive growth is expected.
Economic forecast
강력한 직관이 때로는 논리보다 정확하다.
Powerful intuition is sometimes more accurate than logic.
Comparative structure
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
Se confunde a menudo con
Modismos y expresiones
Fácil de confundir
Patrones de oraciones
Familia de palabras
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
It implies a functional or authoritative power rather than just raw physical strength.
It is more formal than '세다'.
- Using it for physical muscles (use 힘이 세다).
- Using it for food taste (use 진하다/맵다).
- Confusing it with 강렬하다 (intense/vivid).
- Using it in the imperative form (강력해라 - X).
- Using it for personal health (use 건강하다).
Consejos
Hanja Root
Remember 强 (Strong) + 力 (Power). This root appears in many words like '노력' (effort) and '능력' (ability).
Avoid for Taste
Don't use it for spicy or strong-tasting food. Use '맵다' or '진하다' instead.
Adverbial Use
Use '강력히' when you want to express a very firm opinion or request.
Formal Contexts
It's a great word for reports, news articles, and business presentations.
News Keywords
When you hear '강력', pay attention—it usually means something serious is happening.
Adjective Form
Always use '강력한' when modifying a noun directly.
K-Drama Tip
Detectives in '강력반' are the heroes of most Korean crime thrillers.
Gang Power
Think of the word as 'Gang-Power' to remember its authoritative nuance.
Impact
Use it when the strength results in a visible or significant change.
Upgrade
Replace '진짜 세다' with '매우 강력하다' in formal writing to sound more professional.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of a 'GANG' (강) that has 'LUCK' (력) because they are so POWERFUL.
Origen de la palabra
Sino-Korean word meaning 'possessing strong power'.
Contexto cultural
Used in news headlines to emphasize the severity of laws or weather.
Reflects a preference for clear, decisive measures (조치).
Common in marketing to describe product performance.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Inicios de conversación
"어제 태풍이 정말 강력하지 않았어요? (Wasn't the typhoon yesterday really powerful?)"
"이 약 정말 강력한데, 드셔보셨어요? (This medicine is really powerful, have you tried it?)"
"어떤 팀이 가장 강력한 우승 후보라고 생각하세요? (Which team do you think is the strongest candidate to win?)"
"강력한 리더십이란 무엇이라고 생각하시나요? (What do you think strong leadership is?)"
"요즘 가장 강력한 유행은 무엇일까요? (What is the most powerful trend these days?)"
Temas para diario
내가 본 가장 강력한 자연 현상에 대해 써보세요. (Write about the most powerful natural phenomenon you've seen.)
강력한 의지가 필요했던 순간이 있었나요? (Was there a moment when you needed a strong will?)
어떤 브랜드가 가장 강력한 영향력을 가지고 있다고 생각하나요? (Which brand do you think has the most powerful influence?)
강력한 법이 범죄를 줄일 수 있을까요? (Can strong laws reduce crime?)
나에게 강력한 영감을 준 책이나 영화는? (A book or movie that gave you powerful inspiration?)
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasUsually, no. Use '힘이 세다' for physical strength. Use '강력하다' if they are a 'powerful' person in terms of influence or status.
No, for strong coffee, use '진하다'.
강하다 is general (strong heart, strong body). 강력하다 is for force and impact (powerful engine, powerful law).
Yes, it is a formal and objective word.
Yes, but it means a person with a lot of power or influence, not necessarily big muscles.
It means the 'Violent Crimes Unit' in the police force.
Yes, '강력한 냄새' can describe a very strong, chemical-like smell.
Use '강력히 추천합니다'.
Yes, for a 'strong team' or a 'powerful shot'.
It's better to use '강렬하다' for intense sunlight.
Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
강력하다 is your go-to word for describing 'impactful power.' Whether it's a powerful medicine, a strong government policy, or a devastating typhoon, this word conveys a sense of overwhelming force and effectiveness that simpler words like '세다' cannot match.
- 강력하다 means 'to be powerful' or 'to be strong' in a formal or impactful sense.
- It is a Sino-Korean word (强力) used for weather, medicine, and authority.
- Commonly modifies nouns as '강력한' (e.g., 강력한 태풍).
- It differs from '세다' (casual strength) and '강하다' (general strength).
Hanja Root
Remember 强 (Strong) + 力 (Power). This root appears in many words like '노력' (effort) and '능력' (ability).
Avoid for Taste
Don't use it for spicy or strong-tasting food. Use '맵다' or '진하다' instead.
Adverbial Use
Use '강력히' when you want to express a very firm opinion or request.
Formal Contexts
It's a great word for reports, news articles, and business presentations.
Contenido relacionado
Esta palabra en otros idiomas
Más palabras de business
에 대한
A2Sobre; acerca de; respecto a. Se usa para conectar dos sustantivos (ej: un libro sobre Corea).
~대하여
A2Significa 'sobre' o 'acerca de'. Se usa para indicar el tema de una conversación, libro o pensamiento.
대해서
A2Sobre; acerca de; con respecto a.
에 대해
A2Una frase que significa 'sobre' o 'acerca de'.
풍요롭다
A2Ser abundante, próspero o rico.
관철하다
B2Llevar a cabo la voluntad o las demandas de uno a pesar de las dificultades. 'Logró imponer su criterio en la empresa.'
~에 따라
B1Según, dependiendo de. Se usa para indicar que algo depende de un factor o sigue una norma establecida.
에 따라
A2Dependiendo de la persona, el gusto es diferente. (Dependiendo de)
에 의하면
B1Según las noticias, esta frase significa 'según'. Por ejemplo: 'Según el periódico, la economía está mejorando.'
계좌번호
A2Un número de cuenta bancaria. Se utiliza para transferencias y pagos electrónicos en Corea.