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B1 verb 8 min read

強まる

tsuyomaru
Examples 強まる in 30 Seconds
Explanation 強まる in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to worry too much about 'tsuyomaru' yet, as you will likely use 'tsuyoku naru' (to become strong) for most things. However, you might hear it in very simple weather reports. Think of it as 'strong + maru'. The 'maru' part makes it a verb. You might see it in a sentence like 'Ame ga tsuyomaru' (The rain gets strong). At this stage, just remember that it is a word used for nature, like wind and rain, getting more powerful. It is like the adjective 'tsuyoi' turning into an action. If you are learning basic kanji, '強' means strong, and 'まる' is a common ending for verbs that describe a change in state. Don't worry about the formal nuances yet; just recognize it when you hear a weather forecast on the train or TV.
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For A2 learners, 'tsuyomaru' becomes useful for describing basic changes in the environment and simple feelings. You should start to distinguish it from 'tsuyoku naru'. While you use 'tsuyoku naru' to talk about yourself getting stronger from exercise, you use 'tsuyomaru' to talk about things outside of your control, like the wind or a feeling of worry. You will often see it in the form 'tsuyomatte kita' (has started to strengthen). This is a very natural way to describe the weather getting worse. For example, 'Kaze ga tsuyomatte kita' (The wind has started to get stronger). You might also use it for simple emotions like 'fuan' (anxiety). If you feel more and more worried, your 'fuan' is 'tsuyomaru'. It's a great word to make your Japanese sound a bit more descriptive and natural when talking about the world around you.
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At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the difference between transitive and intransitive verbs clearly. 'Tsuyomaru' is a key intransitive verb. You should be able to use it with abstract subjects like 'hihan' (criticism), 'kanshin' (interest), and 'eikyou' (influence). This level is where you start reading news articles or listening to more complex reports, and 'tsuyomaru' appears frequently there. You should recognize that 'Subject ga tsuyomaru' describes a trend or a process. For instance, 'Seifu e no hihan ga tsuyomatte iru' (Criticism toward the government is strengthening). You should also be able to use it to describe your own growing convictions or interests, such as 'Nihongo wo benkyou shitai to iu kimochi ga tsuyomatta' (My feeling of wanting to study Japanese has strengthened). This adds a level of maturity to your expression compared to just using 'tsuyoku naru'.
At B2, you should be comfortable using 'tsuyomaru' in formal writing and professional contexts. You will encounter it in economic news, such as 'en-daka ga tsuyomaru' (the strengthening of the yen) or 'keikai-kan ga tsuyomaru' (a sense of vigilance is strengthening). At this level, you should also understand how it collocated with specific adverbs like 'kyuugeki ni' (suddenly/rapidly) or 'ichidantsu' (further/still more). You should be able to explain the difference between 'tsuyomaru' and 'takamaru' (to heighten). For example, while 'interest' (kanshin) can both 'tsuyomaru' and 'takamaru', 'tension' (kincho) almost always 'takamaru'. Understanding these subtle nuances is what defines the B2 level. You should also be able to use the verb in complex sentence structures, such as '...to iu gimon ga tsuyomaru naka...' (Amidst strengthening doubts that...).
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C1 learners should have a sophisticated grasp of 'tsuyomaru' and be able to use it to convey subtle shifts in tone and atmosphere. You should recognize its use in literature to describe the 'intensification' of abstract themes or the 'thickening' of a plot's tension. At this level, you might explore its historical etymology and how it relates to other '-maru' verbs like 'hiromaru' (to spread) or 'takamatte-iru'. You should be able to use 'tsuyomaru' in academic papers to describe the strengthening of a hypothesis or the increasing validity of a theory. Furthermore, you should be sensitive to the 'register' of the word—knowing that it sounds more objective and analytical than the more subjective 'tsuyoku naru'. You can use it to describe systemic changes, such as 'shakai-teki na douryoku ga tsuyomaru' (social momentum is strengthening), showing a high-level command of abstract Japanese vocabulary.
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At the C2 level, 'tsuyomaru' is a tool for precision. You understand its place within the broader system of Japanese verbs of change and can use it to create specific rhetorical effects. You might use it in high-level debates to describe the 'intensification of geopolitical risks' or the 'strengthening of cultural identity.' You are aware of rare or archaic uses in classical-style modern prose. You can effortlessly switch between 'tsuyomaru', 'gekika suru', and 'shinkou suru' (to progress/deepen) depending on the exact nuance of the intensification you wish to describe. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, appearing in complex metaphorical contexts where the 'strength' being discussed is purely conceptual, such as the 'strengthening of a linguistic trend' or the 'intensification of a philosophical conflict.' You use the word not just to describe change, but to analyze the nature of that change within a broader socio-linguistic framework.
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Examples

強まる in 30 Seconds

  • An intransitive verb meaning to get stronger or intensify.
  • Commonly used for weather (rain/wind) and abstract things like criticism.
  • Always uses the particle 'ga' with the subject that is strengthening.
  • More formal and specific than the general phrase 'tsuyoku naru'.

The Japanese verb 強まる (tsuyomaru) is an intransitive verb that translates to "to strengthen," "to get stronger," or "to intensify." At its core, it describes a process where the intensity, force, or degree of something increases naturally or as a result of external circumstances, without focusing on a specific agent who is performing the action. This nuance is crucial; while the transitive counterpart tsuyomeru implies someone is intentionally making something stronger, tsuyomaru suggests an observation of a phenomenon as it unfolds. It is most commonly used in three distinct spheres: natural phenomena (like weather), psychological states (like anxiety or confidence), and social or political climates (like criticism or demands).

Natural Phenomena
In the context of weather, 強まる is the standard term for the increasing force of wind, rain, or snow. Meteorologists use it to describe a storm developing. For example, if a drizzle turns into a downpour, you would say the rain has 'strengthened.'

午後から風が強まる見込みです。(Gogo kara kaze ga tsuyomaru mikomi desu.)
The wind is expected to strengthen starting from the afternoon.

Psychological Intensity
When describing feelings, this word suggests a growing internal pressure or conviction. Anxiety (fuan), desire (yoku), or interest (kanshin) can all 'strengthen' as more information becomes available or as a deadline approaches.

Furthermore, 強まる is a staple in news reporting regarding social trends. If a community is increasingly calling for a new law, the 'demand' (youbou) or 'voice' (koe) is said to strengthen. It carries a formal tone that makes it ideal for broadcasting and journalism, where objective observation of trends is required. It differs from tsuyoku naru in that tsuyoku naru is often used for physical strength or personal character, whereas 強まる is used for forces, pressures, and abstract qualities.

政府への批判が日に日に強まっている。(Seifu e no hihan ga hi ni hi ni tsuyomatte iru.)
Criticism of the government is strengthening day by day.

In summary, use 強まる when you want to describe something becoming more intense in a way that feels like an unfolding process. It captures the momentum of change, whether it's the physical power of a typhoon or the mounting pressure of public opinion.

Grammatically, 強まる (tsuyomaru) is a Godan verb (Type I) and is strictly intransitive. This means it is almost always preceded by the particle が (ga), which identifies the subject that is undergoing the change. You cannot use it with the direct object particle を (wo). If you want to say you are strengthening your resolve, you would use the transitive tsuyomeru; but if your resolve is simply getting stronger on its own, tsuyomaru is the correct choice.

Common Subject Patterns
The subjects of 強まる are typically abstract nouns or natural forces. Common pairings include: kaze (wind), ame (rain), hihan (criticism), gimon (doubt), fuan (anxiety), and eikyou (influence).

疑惑が強まるばかりだ。(Giwaku ga tsuyomaru bakari da.)
Suspicion is only strengthening (growing).

The verb is often used in the ~te iru form to indicate a continuing state or a process that is currently in progress. For instance, tsuyomatte iru suggests that the intensity has been increasing and is currently at a high level. Conversely, the past tense tsuyomatta indicates that the shift to a stronger state has already occurred. This is particularly useful in reporting historical events or sudden changes in weather.

雨が強まってきたので、雨宿りをしましょう。(Ame ga tsuyomatte kita node, amayadori wo shimashou.)
Since the rain has started to get stronger, let's take shelter.

Another important aspect is its usage with adverbs of degree. You might see kyuugeki ni (rapidly) or shidai ni (gradually) paired with 強まる to specify the pace of the intensification. In academic or formal writing, it is common to see tsuyomaru used in the passive-like structure of describing a trend, even though the verb itself is intransitive and doesn't have a passive form. It simply describes the 'becoming' of a state.

その事件以来、監視が強まった。(Sono jiken irai, kanshi ga tsuyomatta.)
Since that incident, surveillance has strengthened.

If you turn on a Japanese television, you are most likely to encounter 強まる (tsuyomaru) during the weather forecast or the evening news. It is a 'broadcast-friendly' word because it sounds objective and precise. In weather reporting, it is the standard way to warn the public about worsening conditions. A meteorologist might say, "As the typhoon approaches, the wind will strengthen along the coast." This usage is so common that even beginners in Japan will quickly recognize the word in the context of kaze (wind) and ame (rain).

Political and Social Context
In political segments, the word is used to describe the mounting pressure on leaders. You will hear phrases like hihan ga tsuyomaru (criticism is strengthening) or taiin wo motomeru koe ga tsuyomaru (voices demanding resignation are strengthening). It paints a picture of a collective force gaining momentum.

与党内でも反対の意見が強まっています。(Yodounai demo hantai no iken ga tsuyomatte imasu.)
Opposition voices are strengthening even within the ruling party.

Beyond the news, you'll find 強まる in business presentations and economic reports. When a company's influence in a market grows, or when the 'yen' strengthens against the dollar (en-daka ga tsuyomaru), this verb is employed. It suggests a trend that is backed by data or visible shifts in the market landscape. It’s less about a person 'making' the yen strong and more about the market forces resulting in a stronger yen.

In daily conversation, it's slightly more formal than tsuyoku naru. While you might say karada ga tsuyoku naru (my body is getting stronger) after going to the gym, you wouldn't usually use tsuyomaru for personal physical strength. However, if you are talking about your 'resolve' (kesshin) or 'desire' (kimochi), tsuyomaru adds a layer of seriousness and intensity to your speech.

留学したいという気持ちが強まった。(Ryuugaku shitai to iu kimochi ga tsuyomatta.)
My desire to study abroad has strengthened.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 強まる (tsuyomaru) is confusing it with its transitive twin, 強める (tsuyomeru). This is a classic 'transitive vs. intransitive' (Jidoushi/Tadoushi) trap. Because English often uses the same word ("strengthen") for both roles, learners often default to the wrong Japanese verb. Remember: tsuyomaru is something that happens (Subject が), while tsuyomeru is something you do to something (Object を).

The Transitivity Error
Incorrect: Kaze wo tsuyomaru (I strengthen the wind).
Correct: Kaze ga tsuyomaru (The wind strengthens).
Correct: Hi wo tsuyomeru (I strengthen/turn up the fire).

❌ 彼は決心を強まった。 (Incorrect)
✅ 彼の決心が強まった。 (Correct: His resolve strengthened.)

Another common error is using 強まる for physical muscle strength or personal athletic ability. For these contexts, the adjective-based phrase tsuyoku naru is much more natural. You wouldn't say your legs 'strengthened' using tsuyomaru after running; that sounds like your legs are a weather phenomenon or a political movement. 強まる is reserved for forces, pressures, and abstract intensities.

Lastly, be careful with the context of 'increasing.' While tsuyomaru means strengthen, it doesn't always mean 'increase in number.' If the number of students increases, use fueru. If the intensity of their studying increases, use tsuyomaru (or more commonly hageshiku naru). Mixing up 'quantity' and 'intensity' is a subtle but frequent error in advanced Japanese usage.

❌ 人数が強まる。 (The number of people strengthens - Nonsense)
✅ 影響力が強まる。 (The influence strengthens - Natural)

Japanese has several ways to say something is getting stronger, and choosing the right one depends on the nature of the 'strength.' 強まる (tsuyomaru) is your go-to for forces and pressures, but here are the alternatives you should know.

強くなる (Tsuyoku naru)
This is the most general term. It can replace tsuyomaru in many cases (like weather), but it's also used for physical strength, gaming characters leveling up, or someone becoming mentally tougher. Tsuyomaru is more formal and specific to 'intensity.'
高まる (Takamaru)
Used when the 'strength' is perceived as 'height' or 'elevation.' Common with kincho (tension), kitai (expectations), or ishiki (awareness). You 'heighten' awareness, you don't 'strengthen' it.
激化する (Gekika suru)
Meaning 'to intensify' or 'to escalate.' This is used for conflicts, competition, or protests. It implies a sense of violence or extreme heat that tsuyomaru doesn't necessarily carry.

競争が激化している。(Kyousou ga gekika shite iru.)
The competition is intensifying (getting fierce).

Another word to consider is masu (増す), which means to increase. While tsuyomaru focuses on the quality of being strong, masu focuses on the addition of more of that quality. You might say fuan ga masu (anxiety increases), which is very similar to fuan ga tsuyomaru, but masu is often used with 'beauty' (utsukushisa ga masu) or 'speed' (supiido ga masu), where tsuyomaru would sound strange.

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Examples by Level

1

雨が強まる。

The rain strengthens.

Simple Subject + ga + Verb structure.

2

風が少し強まりました。

The wind strengthened a little.

Past polite form of the verb.

3

火が強まる。

The fire gets stronger.

Intransitive: the fire is doing the action.

4

音が強まる。

The sound gets louder/stronger.

Used for sensory intensity.

5

雪が強まってきました。

The snow has started to get stronger.

Te-form + kuru (started to/come to be).

6

光が強まる。

The light strengthens.

Present tense for a general fact.

7

においが強まる。

The smell gets stronger.

Used for the intensity of a scent.

8

波が強まる。

The waves get stronger.

Natural force as the subject.

1

午後から雨が強まるでしょう。

The rain will likely strengthen from the afternoon.

Deshou expresses a prediction.

2

不安が強まっています。

Anxiety is strengthening (growing).

Te-iru indicates a continuous state.

3

外の風が急に強まった。

The wind outside suddenly strengthened.

Kyuu ni (suddenly) modifies the verb.

4

もっと強まるかもしれません。

It might get even stronger.

Kamoshirenai indicates possibility.

5

彼の決心が強まった。

His resolve strengthened.

Abstract noun (resolve) as the subject.

6

関心が強まっています。

Interest is strengthening.

Commonly used for social trends.

7

反対の声が強まった。

The voice of opposition strengthened.

Koe (voice) here means 'opinion'.

8

痛みが強まってきた。

The pain has started to get stronger.

Describing physical sensations.

1

このニュースで、政府への批判が強まった。

Because of this news, criticism of the government strengthened.

De indicates the cause/reason.

2

台風の影響で、雨風が強まる見込みだ。

Due to the typhoon's influence, the rain and wind are expected to strengthen.

Mikomi da is a formal way to say 'expected'.

3

日本文化への関心が海外で強まっている。

Interest in Japanese culture is strengthening abroad.

E no indicates the direction of the interest.

4

事件の真相を知りたいという要望が強まった。

The demand to know the truth of the incident strengthened.

To iu clauses define the content of the demand.

5

監視が強まることを懸念している。

I am concerned that surveillance will strengthen.

Koto wo kenen suru (to be concerned about...).

6

彼の言葉で、私の疑念はさらに強まった。

My doubts strengthened even further because of his words.

Sarani (further/even more) adds emphasis.

7

景気が回復するという期待が強まっている。

Expectations that the economy will recover are strengthening.

Kitai (expectation) is a common subject.

8

冬になり、寒さが一段と強まった。

Winter came, and the cold strengthened significantly.

Ichidanto (significantly/further) is formal.

1

市場では円安への警戒感が強まっている。

In the market, a sense of vigilance against the weak yen is strengthening.

Keikai-kan (sense of vigilance) is a common B2 noun.

2

不祥事を受けて、社長の辞任を求める声が強まった。

Following the scandal, voices demanding the president's resignation strengthened.

Wo ukete (receiving/following) indicates the trigger.

3

その政策に対する反対意見が日に日に強まっている。

Opposition to that policy is strengthening day by day.

Hi ni hi ni means 'day by day' or 'increasingly'.

4

グローバル化が進むにつれ、競争はますます強まるだろう。

As globalization progresses, competition will likely strengthen even more.

Ni tsure (as... progresses) shows simultaneous change.

5

証拠が見つかるたびに、犯人への疑いが強まった。

Every time evidence was found, suspicion toward the culprit strengthened.

Tabi ni (every time) indicates a recurring cause.

6

環境保護の重要性についての意識が強まっている。

Awareness of the importance of environmental protection is strengthening.

Ishiki (awareness) can use either tsuyomaru or takamaru.

7

大雨の影響で、土砂災害の危険性が強まっている。

Due to heavy rain, the risk of landslides is strengthening (increasing).

Kikensei (risk/danger) is the subject.

8

両国間の緊張が急激に強まった。

Tension between the two countries strengthened (intensified) rapidly.

Kyuugeki ni (rapidly/sharply) modifies the verb.

1

法改正を求める世論の動向が、今後さらに強まることが予想される。

It is expected that public opinion trends seeking legal reform will strengthen further in the future.

Koto ga yosou sareru (it is expected that...).

2

この論文の発表により、彼の説の正当性が一段と強まったと言える。

With the publication of this paper, it can be said that the validity of his theory has strengthened further.

To ieru (it can be said that) is an analytical expression.

3

中央集権的な傾向が強まることに対して、地方自治体は反発している。

Local governments are pushing back against the strengthening of centralizing tendencies.

Keikou (tendency) is a common abstract subject.

4

伝統的な価値観を見直そうという動きが、若者の間で強まっている。

A movement to re-evaluate traditional values is strengthening among young people.

Ugoki (movement) refers to a social trend.

5

情報の透明性を求める圧力が、企業に対して強まっている。

Pressure demanding information transparency is strengthening against corporations.

Atsuryoku (pressure) is a high-level subject for this verb.

6

バイアスが強まることで、客観的な判断が難しくなる恐れがある。

There is a fear that as bias strengthens, objective judgment will become difficult.

Osore ga aru (there is a fear/risk that...).

7

自国第一主義の色彩が強まる国際情勢の中で、協調の道を探る。

Amidst an international situation where the color of 'nationalism first' is strengthening, we seek the path of cooperation.

Shikisai (color/hue) is used metaphorically for 'nature' or 'tone'.

8

その作家の独自性が強まったのは、中期の作品からである。

It was from his middle-period works that the author's uniqueness strengthened.

No wa... kara de aru (It was from... that...).

1

構造的な矛盾が露呈するにつれ、体制刷新の機運が強まった。

As structural contradictions were exposed, the momentum for systemic renewal strengthened.

Kiun (momentum/opportunity) is a very formal noun.

2

独占禁止法違反の疑いが強まり、公正取引委員会が立ち入り検査に入った。

Suspicion of anti-monopoly law violations strengthened, and the Fair Trade Commission conducted an on-site inspection.

Ren'youkei (stem form) used as a conjunction in formal writing.

3

ナショナリズムの台頭により、排他的な風潮が強まることが懸念される。

Due to the rise of nationalism, there are concerns that an exclusionary social climate will strengthen.

Fuuchou (social trend/climate) is a sophisticated subject.

4

理論的な整合性が強まることで、その仮説は定説へと近づいていった。

As its theoretical consistency strengthened, that hypothesis drew closer to becoming established doctrine.

Seigousei (consistency/integrity) in an academic context.

5

宗教的な色彩が強まるにつれ、その祭礼は本来の形を失っていった。

As the religious hue strengthened, the festival began to lose its original form.

Loss of 'original form' as a result of intensification.

6

政治的圧力が強まる中、報道の自由をいかに守るかが問われている。

Amidst strengthening political pressure, the question of how to protect press freedom is being asked.

Naka (amidst/during) sets the background situation.

7

その政策の副作用が強まることを危惧し、専門家は警鐘を鳴らした。

Fearing that the side effects of that policy would strengthen, experts sounded the alarm.

Kigu suru (to fear/be apprehensive) is a formal verb.

8

アイデンティティの模索が強まる思春期において、周囲の理解は不可欠だ。

In adolescence, when the search for identity strengthens, the understanding of those around is indispensable.

Mosaku (searching/groping) as the subject.

Common Collocations

風が強まる
雨が強まる
批判が強まる
不安が強まる
関心が強まる
期待が強まる
影響力が強まる
疑惑が強まる
圧力が強まる
警戒が強まる

Common Phrases

強まる一方だ

— Keeps on strengthening; used when a trend only goes in one direction.

批判は強まる一方だ。

一段と強まる

— Strengthen significantly; used to show a clear step up in intensity.

寒さが一段と強まった。

日に日に強まる

— Strengthen day by day; used for gradual but steady intensification.

期待が日に日に強まる。

急速に強まる

— Strengthen rapidly; used for sudden changes.

風が急速に強まった。

さらに強まる

— Strengthen even further.

雨がさらに強まる見込みです。

強まる兆し

— Signs of strengthening.

景気回復の兆しが強まる。

強まる懸念

— Strengthening concerns.

インフレが強まる懸念がある。

強まる要望

— Strengthening demands/requests.

再調査を求める要望が強まった。

強まる反発

— Strengthening pushback/opposition.

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