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B1 adjective #4,500 most common 8 min read

頑丈な

Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 頑丈な in 30 Seconds

Explanation 頑丈な in your Level:

At the A1 level, you might not use 'ganjou' yet, but you can understand it as a way to say 'very, very strong' for things like tables, chairs, or boxes. Think of it as 'super strong' (sugoku tsuyoi). In Japan, you might see this word in shops. If you see a big, thick wooden desk, that is 'ganjou.' Just remember it is a 'na-adjective,' so you say 'ganjou na' before a noun. For example: 'ganjou na tsukue' (sturdy desk). It helps you describe things that are high quality and won't break easily. It is a good word to know when you are shopping for things you want to use for a long time.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'ganjou' to describe your belongings or people. It's more specific than 'tsuyoi' (strong). While 'tsuyoi' can be used for many things like wind or personality, 'ganjou' is for physical things. If you have a suitcase that is very tough, you can say 'Kono suutsukeesu wa ganjou desu.' If you have a friend who is big and strong and never gets sick, you can say 'Kare wa ganjou na karada da.' Remember the grammar: use 'na' to connect it to a noun, or 'desu' to end a sentence. This word will help you sound more natural when talking about quality and physical strength.

As a B1 learner, you should distinguish 'ganjou' from 'joubu.' While both mean sturdy or durable, 'ganjou' emphasizes the structural 'toughness' and 'solidness' of an object. It often implies that something is 'built to last' or 'heavy-duty.' You will see this word often in advertisements for tools, furniture, and houses. It's also used to describe a person's physical build (frame). You should be comfortable using it adverbially as 'ganjou ni,' such as 'ganjou ni tsukuru' (to build sturdily). This word is essential for discussing manufacturing, construction, and physical attributes with more precision than a beginner.

At the B2 level, you can use 'ganjou' to discuss more complex topics like architecture, disaster prevention, and engineering. You'll understand its nuance in phrases like 'ganjou-na kouzou' (sturdy structure) which is vital in Japanese earthquake discourse. You should also recognize its limitations—it's rarely used for abstract concepts like 'sturdy evidence' or 'sturdy logic,' where 'kyouko' or 'katai' would be preferred. You can use 'ganjou' to provide detailed descriptions of physical objects in formal and informal settings, showing you understand the difference between general durability (joubu) and structural sturdiness (ganjou).

For C1 learners, 'ganjou' is part of a wider vocabulary of strength. You should be able to compare it with synonyms like 'kenrou' (robust/solid), 'kyouko' (firm/strong), and 'kenpatsu' (vigorous). You will notice 'ganjou' used in literature to describe the physical presence of characters or the imposing nature of old buildings. You should appreciate the kanji 頑 (stubborn/persistent) and how it contributes to the meaning of 'refusing to break.' At this level, you should use 'ganjou' effortlessly in professional contexts, such as describing the physical requirements of a product or the robustness of a physical security system.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of 'ganjou' and its stylistic placement. You can use it to evoke specific imagery in creative writing or to provide precise specifications in technical fields. You understand the subtle social connotations when describing people—how it might imply a certain 'ruggedness' or 'unrefined strength' compared to more elegant terms. You are also aware of historical uses and how the word has evolved. You can use 'ganjou' to critique craftsmanship, discussing the 'ganjou-sa' (sturdiness) of traditional Japanese joinery versus modern construction, and you can switch between this and its more formal synonyms like 'kenrou' to match the register of any situation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

頑丈な in 30 Seconds

Ganjou-na means sturdy or robust, focusing on physical strength and solid construction.
It is a na-adjective used for objects like furniture and buildings, or for strong human physiques.
Unlike the general 'tsuyoi' (strong), it specifically implies something is hard to break or damage physically.
It is a key word in Japan for discussing earthquake-resistant structures and high-quality, durable goods.

The Japanese word 頑丈な (Ganjou-na) is a powerful na-adjective primarily used to describe physical objects or human bodies that are exceptionally sturdy, robust, and built to last. When you call something ganjou, you are emphasizing its structural integrity and its resistance to breaking, wearing down, or being damaged by external forces. It is the linguistic equivalent of saying something is 'built like a tank' or 'solid as a rock.' This word is essential for B1 learners because it moves beyond the simple 'strong' (tsuyoi) or 'durable' (joubu) and enters the realm of describing construction, manufacturing, and physical constitution with precision.

Physical Durability: Used for furniture, buildings, or tools that can withstand heavy use without breaking. For example, a heavy oak table or a steel safe would be described as ganjou.
Human Physique: When applied to a person, it describes a robust, thick-set, or highly resilient physical build. It suggests someone who rarely gets sick and has a strong frame.
Structural Integrity: In architecture or engineering, it refers to the quality of being solidly constructed, especially in the context of earthquake resistance in Japan.

このスーツケースは非常に頑丈な作りになっています。
— This suitcase is built in an extremely sturdy way.

The term consists of two kanji: 頑 (Gan), which means stubborn or foolishly persistent, and 丈 (Jou), which refers to height, stature, or length. Together, they create the image of something that 'stubbornly' maintains its 'stature' or form, refusing to yield to pressure. This nuance is slightly different from joubu (丈夫), which is more common and can also mean 'healthy.' Ganjou is more focused on the physical 'toughness' and 'solidness' of the object or person in question.

彼は頑丈な体格をしているので、重い荷物も楽に運べる。
— Because he has a sturdy build, he can carry heavy luggage easily.

When you use this word, you are often providing a testimonial of quality. If you buy a pair of boots and they last ten years, you would tell your friends they are ganjou. It is a word of appreciation for craftsmanship and resilience. It is rarely used for abstract concepts like 'sturdy arguments' or 'sturdy emotions'—for those, other words like 'kyouko' (強固) or 'shikkari' (しっかり) are more appropriate. Keep ganjou for the physical world.

Since 頑丈 (Ganjou) is a na-adjective, it follows standard grammatical patterns for that class. Understanding how to link it to nouns and how to use it as a predicate is key to natural Japanese. It is versatile but maintains a specific focus on physical resilience.

Attributive Use (Modifying a Noun): Pattern: [頑丈] + [な] + [Noun]. This is the most common way to describe something.
Example: 頑丈な机 (Ganjou-na tsukue) - A sturdy desk.
Predicative Use (Ending a Sentence): Pattern: [Noun] + [は] + [頑丈だ/です].
Example: この壁は頑丈です (Kono kabe wa ganjou desu) - This wall is sturdy.
Adverbial Use: Pattern: [頑丈] + [に] + [Verb]. Used when describing how something is built or fixed.
Example: 頑丈に作る (Ganjou ni tsukuru) - To make something sturdily.

地震に備えて、家を頑丈に補強した。
— In preparation for earthquakes, I sturdily reinforced the house.

One nuance to remember is that ganjou often implies a certain thickness or weight. A thin piece of high-tech carbon fiber might be 'strong' (tsuyoi) or 'tough' (kyouko), but we usually reserve ganjou for things that look and feel physically substantial. If you are describing a person's health rather than their physical frame, joubu (丈夫) is a safer choice. For example, 'He has a strong stomach' is usually 'Onaka ga joubu' rather than 'ganjou.'

見た目は細いが、彼は意外と頑丈だ。
— He looks thin, but he is surprisingly sturdy.

In business contexts, particularly in manufacturing or logistics, ganjou is used to describe packaging that won't break during shipping. Using it shows you value the physical quality and safety of the product. It is a very positive word that conveys security and reliability.

You will encounter 頑丈な (Ganjou-na) in various real-world scenarios in Japan, from shopping for household goods to watching sports or news reports about infrastructure.

Home Centers and Furniture Stores: Salespeople at stores like Nitori or Cainz will use this word to sell shelving units, desks, or storage boxes. 'Kore wa ganjou desu yo' (This is sturdy, you know) is a common sales pitch.
Outdoor and Sports Shops: When buying hiking boots, tents, or mountain bikes, the staff will emphasize 'ganjou-sa' (sturdiness) as a key feature for safety in harsh environments.
Sports Commentary: In rugby, sumo, or American football broadcasts, commentators often describe players with a 'ganjou-na karada' (sturdy body) or 'ganjou-na taigaku' (sturdy build).

「この棚は頑丈なスチール製ですので、重い本を並べても大丈夫です。」
— 'Since this shelf is made of sturdy steel, it's fine even if you line up heavy books.'

You might also hear it in personal conversations when discussing health or childhood. If someone was a 'sturdy child' who never got sick and was physically active, they might be called 'ganjou-na ko.' It's a compliment to one's vitality and physical resilience. Conversely, if something breaks easily, someone might complain, 'Motto ganjou na no ni sureba yokatta' (I should have gotten a sturdier one).

古い建物だが、骨組みは非常に頑丈にできている。
— It's an old building, but the framework is made very sturdily.

Finally, in the context of technology, while we use 'high-spec' or 'fast,' we use ganjou for the hardware itself. A laptop that can survive a drop or a smartphone with a 'ganjou-na keesu' (sturdy case) are common topics in tech reviews.

While 頑丈 (Ganjou) is a straightforward word, learners often confuse it with other 'strong' words or use it in contexts where it doesn't quite fit. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

Confusing Ganjou and Tsuyoi: 'Tsuyoi' (強い) is a general word for 'strong.' You can have strong wind, strong coffee, or a strong personality. 'Ganjou' is specific to physical toughness. You cannot have 'ganjou coffee' or 'ganjou wind.'
Overusing Ganjou for Health: While you can say a person is 'ganjou,' it refers to their physical frame. If you want to say someone is healthy or has a strong immune system, 'kenkou' (健康) or 'joubu' (丈夫) is usually better. 'Ganjou' sounds like they are physically hard to break.
Abstract Use: Avoid using 'ganjou' for abstract things like 'a sturdy plan' or 'a sturdy relationship.' For these, use 'katai' (固い - firm) or 'shikkari shita' (しっかりした - solid/reliable).

Incorrect: 彼は頑丈な意志を持っている。(He has a sturdy will.)
Correct: 彼は強い意志を持っている。(He has a strong will.)

Another mistake is forgetting that it is a na-adjective. Students sometimes treat it like an i-adjective (*ganjou-i) or a noun without the 'na' when modifying other nouns. Always remember: Ganjou-na [Noun]. Also, be careful with the nuance of Katai (硬い/堅い/固い). While katai means 'hard' (like a diamond or a firm rule), ganjou means 'sturdy' (built well). A thin glass window might be 'katai' (hard surface) but it is definitely not 'ganjou' (sturdy).

Incorrect: 頑丈箱 (Ganjou hako)
Correct: 頑丈な箱 (Ganjou-na hako)

Lastly, don't confuse ganjou with ganko (頑固). Ganko means 'stubborn' in personality. While they share the first kanji 頑, their meanings are entirely different. Calling a sturdy table 'ganko' would imply the table has a mind of its own and refuses to listen to you!

Japanese has several words that overlap with 頑丈 (Ganjou). Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about health, hardness, or structural strength.

丈夫 (Joubu): The most common alternative. It's more general and can mean 'durable' for objects or 'healthy/strong' for the body. 'Ganjou' is more emphatic about physical 'sturdiness' and 'thickness.'
強固 (Kyouko): A more formal, often academic or technical term. It means 'firm' or 'solid.' It is used for both physical structures (a kyouko-na foundation) and abstract things (a kyouko-na bond or will).
堅牢 (Kenrou): A literary or technical word meaning 'strong and solid.' You often see this in descriptions of castles (kenrou-na shiro) or high-end security software/hardware.
タフ (Tafu): The loanword 'tough.' It is mostly used for a person's mental or physical resilience, especially in a competitive or stressful environment. 'He is a tough guy' = 'Kare wa tafu na otoko da.'

Comparison:
1. 頑丈なドア (A sturdy, thick door)
2. 丈夫な靴 (Durable shoes that last long)
3. 強固な団結 (Solid unity/solidarity)

When deciding which to use, ask yourself: 'Am I talking about how well something is built?' If yes, ganjou is your best bet. If you are talking about whether something will break or if someone is healthy, joubu is more versatile. If you are writing a formal report or a novel, kyouko or kenrou will make you sound more sophisticated.

この素材は頑丈なだけでなく、非常に軽い。
— This material is not only sturdy but also very light.

In casual speech, you might also hear しっかりしている (shikkari shite iru), which means 'solidly built' or 'reliable.' For example, a chair that doesn't wobble is 'shikkari shite iru.' Ganjou implies a higher level of strength than just 'not wobbling'—it implies it could survive a significant impact.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 頑 (gan) also appears in 'ganbaru' (to persist), showing that the root concept is about 'not giving up'—either mentally or physically.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡandʑoː/

US /ɡɑndʒoʊ/

The pitch usually starts low and rises on 'jo'. (L-H-H)

Rhymes With

Kanjou (emotion) Tanjou (birth) Sanjou (visiting) Hanjou (prosperity) Ganjou (this word) Enjou (going up in flames) Kanjou (counting/bill) Shinjou (creed)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'gan' like 'can'. It should be a hard 'g'.
Shortening the final 'o' sound. It is a long 'ō'.
Confusing the pitch with 'ganko' (stubborn).
Treating it as an i-adjective (ganjou-i).
Omitting the 'na' when modifying a noun.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Kanji are common but require B1 level knowledge.

Writing 4/5

Writing 頑 (Gan) can be slightly complex for beginners.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce and use in daily life.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, easy to distinguish.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

強い (Tsuyoi) 体 (Karada) 作る (Tsukuru) 壊れる (Kowareru) 机 (Tsukue)

Learn Next

強固 (Kyouko) 耐久性 (Taikyuusei) 補強 (Hokyou) 耐震 (Taishin) 脆弱 (Zeijaku)

Advanced

質実剛健 (Shitsujitsu-gouken) 堅実 (Kenjitsu) 堅牢 (Kenrou) 盤石 (Banjaku) 不壊 (Fukai)

Grammar to Know

Na-adjective modification

頑丈な(na) + 建物(noun)

Adverbial form with 'ni'

頑丈に(ni) + 作る(verb)

Te-form for connecting sentences

頑丈で(de)、壊れにくい。

Noun form with 'sa'

頑丈さ(sa)が大事だ。

Conjecture with 'sou'

頑丈そう(sou)に見える。

Examples by Level

これは頑丈な机です。

This is a sturdy desk.

頑丈な (na-adjective) + 机 (noun).

その箱は頑丈ですか？

Is that box sturdy?

頑丈 (adjective) + ですか (question marker).

頑丈な椅子を買いました。

I bought a sturdy chair.

頑丈な (na-adjective) + 椅子 (noun).

このおもちゃは頑丈だ。

This toy is sturdy.

頑丈 (adjective) + だ (plain copula).

もっと頑丈なのがいいです。

I want a sturdier one.

頑丈な (na-adjective) + の (pronoun) + がいい (prefer).

頑丈なカバンですね。

That's a sturdy bag, isn't it?

頑丈な (na-adjective) + カバン (noun) + ですね (sentence ending).

この壁はとても頑丈です。

This wall is very sturdy.

とても (adverb) + 頑丈 (adjective) + です.

彼は頑丈な人です。

He is a sturdy person.

頑丈な (na-adjective) + 人 (noun).

頑丈な靴を履いて山に行きます。

I will wear sturdy shoes and go to the mountains.

頑丈な (na-adjective) + 靴 (noun).

この自転車は頑丈にできています。

This bicycle is made sturdily.

頑丈に (adverbial) + できている (is made).

彼は体が頑丈なので、風邪をひきません。

Because his body is sturdy, he doesn't catch colds.

体が頑丈 (body is sturdy) + ので (reason).

頑丈な鍵をかけましょう。

Let's use a sturdy lock.

頑丈な (na-adjective) + 鍵 (noun).

このアパートは頑丈そうですね。

This apartment looks sturdy, doesn't it?

頑丈 (adjective) + そう (looks like).

もっと頑丈な紐（ひも）が必要です。

We need a sturdier rope.

もっと (more) + 頑丈な (na-adjective) + 紐 (noun).

このカメラは頑丈で壊れにくい。

This camera is sturdy and hard to break.

頑丈で (te-form of na-adjective) + 壊れにくい (hard to break).

家を頑丈に作り直した。

I rebuilt the house sturdily.

頑丈に (adverbial) + 作り直した (rebuilt).

この棚は頑丈なので、重い本をたくさん置けます。

This shelf is sturdy, so you can put many heavy books on it.

頑丈なので (na-adjective + na + node).

ラグビーをやっていたので、彼は頑丈な体格をしている。

Since he played rugby, he has a sturdy build.

頑丈な (na-adjective) + 体格 (physique).

地震に強い、頑丈な家を建てたいです。

I want to build a sturdy house that is strong against earthquakes.

頑丈な (na-adjective) + 家 (noun).

このスーツケースは頑丈さが売りです。

The selling point of this suitcase is its sturdiness.

頑丈さ (noun form) + が (subject marker).

古い建物ですが、基礎（きそ）は頑丈です。

It's an old building, but the foundation is sturdy.

基礎は頑丈 (foundation is sturdy).

この道具は頑丈に作られていて、一生使えます。

This tool is made sturdily and can be used for a lifetime.

頑丈に (adverbial) + 作られている (is made).

見た目よりも、頑丈なものを選んだほうがいい。

It's better to choose something sturdy rather than based on looks.

頑丈なもの (sturdy thing) + を選んだほうがいい (better to choose).

彼は精神的にも頑丈だ。

He is also mentally sturdy (tough).

精神的にも (also mentally) + 頑丈 (adjective).

その橋は、どんな洪水にも耐えられるほど頑丈だ。

That bridge is sturdy enough to withstand any flood.

耐えられるほど (to the extent of being able to withstand) + 頑丈.

最新のスマートフォンは、画面も頑丈になっている。

The screens of the latest smartphones have also become sturdier.

頑丈になっている (has become sturdy).

彼女は頑丈な骨組みを持っており、怪我をしにくい。

She has a sturdy frame (bone structure) and is unlikely to get injured.

頑丈な骨組み (sturdy frame/structure).

この金庫を壊すには、かなり頑丈な道具が必要だ。

To break this safe, you need quite sturdy tools.

かなり (quite) + 頑丈な (na-adjective).

頑丈な扉が閉まっていて、中に入ることができない。

The sturdy door is closed, and I cannot enter.

頑丈な扉 (sturdy door) + が閉まっている.

製品の頑丈さをテストするために、高い所から落としてみた。

In order to test the sturdiness of the product, we tried dropping it from a high place.

頑丈さ (noun form) + をテストする.

この家具は頑丈な作りが特徴で、代々受け継がれている。

This furniture is characterized by its sturdy build and has been passed down through generations.

頑丈な作り (sturdy build) + が特徴 (is the characteristic).

彼はプロレスラーのような頑丈な体をしている。

He has a sturdy body like a professional wrestler.

プロレスラーのような (like a pro-wrestler) + 頑丈な体.

その要塞は、数世紀にわたる攻撃にも屈しない頑丈さを誇っている。

The fortress boasts a sturdiness that has not yielded to attacks over several centuries.

屈しない (not yielding) + 頑丈さ (sturdiness).

このエンジンは頑丈な設計により、過酷な環境下でも稼働し続ける。

Due to its sturdy design, this engine continues to operate even under harsh environments.

頑丈な設計 (sturdy design) + により (due to).

頑丈な肉体を持つ彼でも、今回のハードな練習には音を上げた。

Even he, with his sturdy physique, gave up during this hard practice.

頑丈な肉体 (sturdy body) + を持つ彼 (he who has).

日本庭園の石組みは、見た目の美しさだけでなく、構造的にも頑丈だ。

The rock formations in Japanese gardens are not only beautiful to look at but also structurally sturdy.

構造的にも (also structurally) + 頑丈.

その学説は、頑丈な論理の土台の上に築かれている。

That theory is built upon a sturdy foundation of logic.

Metaphorical use: 頑丈な論理の土台 (sturdy foundation of logic).

この素材の頑丈さは、航空宇宙産業でも高く評価されている。

The sturdiness of this material is highly valued even in the aerospace industry.

頑丈さ (sturdiness) + は評価されている (is evaluated/valued).

彼は頑丈なだけでなく、柔軟性も兼ね備えたアスリートだ。

He is an athlete who is not only sturdy but also possesses flexibility.

頑丈なだけでなく (not only sturdy) + 兼ね備えた (possessing both).

古い蔵を改造したが、梁（はり）が頑丈だったので助かった。

I renovated an old storehouse, and it was a help that the beams were so sturdy.

梁が頑丈だった (the beams were sturdy).

その条約は、国際社会の平和を維持するための頑丈な枠組みとなった。

That treaty became a sturdy framework for maintaining peace in the international community.

Metaphorical: 頑丈な枠組み (sturdy framework).

伝統的な職人技によって、釘を一本も使わずに頑丈な建築物が完成した。

Through traditional craftsmanship, a sturdy building was completed without using a single nail.

頑丈な建築物 (sturdy building) + が完成した.

このソフトウェアのセキュリティは、頑丈な暗号化アルゴリズムに支えられている。

The security of this software is supported by a sturdy encryption algorithm.

Metaphorical: 頑丈な暗号化アルゴリズム (sturdy encryption algorithm).

彼の主張は、頑丈な事実の裏付けがあるため、誰も論破できなかった。

Because his claim had the backing of sturdy facts, no one could refute it.

Metaphorical: 頑丈な事実の裏付け (sturdy backing of facts).

その彫刻は、頑丈な花崗岩（かこうがん）から削り出された傑作だ。

That sculpture is a masterpiece carved out of sturdy granite.

頑丈な花崗岩 (sturdy granite).

頑丈な社会基盤を整備することが、国の長期的な発展には不可欠である。

Developing a sturdy social infrastructure is essential for the long-term development of the country.

頑丈な社会基盤 (sturdy social infrastructure).

このテントは、エベレストの過酷な暴風雪にも耐えうる頑丈さを備えている。

This tent possesses a sturdiness capable of withstanding the harsh blizzards of Everest.

耐えうる頑丈さ (sturdiness capable of withstanding).

その老舗旅館は、頑丈な石垣の上に建っており、威厳を放っている。

That long-established inn stands atop a sturdy stone wall, radiating dignity.

頑丈な石垣 (sturdy stone wall).

Common Collocations

頑丈な体格

頑丈な作り

頑丈な箱

頑丈な鍵

頑丈な基礎

頑丈な足腰

頑丈な扉

頑丈な紐

頑丈なフレーム

頑丈な構造

Common Phrases

頑丈にできている

— To be made sturdily. Used to describe the quality of an object.

この靴は頑丈にできている。

見た目より頑丈

— Sturdier than it looks. Used when something is surprisingly strong.

この机は見た目より頑丈だ。

頑丈さが自慢

— Boasting of its sturdiness. Used in advertisements or product reviews.

このバッグは頑丈さが自慢です。

頑丈に補強する

— To reinforce sturdily. Used in construction or DIY.

壁を頑丈に補強した。

頑丈な体

— A sturdy body. Used to describe someone physically strong/healthy.

彼は頑丈な体を持っている。

頑丈に固定する

— To fix/secure sturdily. Used when attaching things.

ボルトで頑丈に固定する。

頑丈な造り

— A sturdy build/construction. Very common for furniture.

頑丈な造りの本棚。

頑丈な素材

— Sturdy material. Used for metal, thick wood, etc.

頑丈な素材を使用している。

意外と頑丈

— Surprisingly sturdy. Used for light but strong items.

このプラスチックは意外と頑丈だ。

頑丈に守る

— To protect sturdily. Used for defense or security.

城を頑丈に守る。

Often Confused With

頑丈な vs 頑固 (Ganko)

Ganko means stubborn (personality), while Ganjou means sturdy (physical).

頑丈な vs 丈夫 (Joubu)

Joubu is more general; Ganjou is more about structural toughness.

頑丈な vs 固い (Katai)

Katai means 'hard' (surface), while Ganjou means 'sturdy' (build).

Idioms & Expressions

"頑丈一点張り"

— Focusing solely on sturdiness. Used when something is strong but maybe lacks style.

この靴は頑丈一点張りで可愛くない。

Colloquial

"岩のように頑丈"

— Sturdy as a rock. Used for extremely solid things.

彼の体は岩のように頑丈だ。

Metaphorical

"鉄壁の頑丈さ"

— Iron-wall sturdiness. Used for impenetrable defense.

鉄壁の頑丈さを誇る金庫。

Emphasis

"一生ものの頑丈さ"

— Sturdiness that lasts a lifetime. Used for very high-quality goods.

一生ものの頑丈さを持つ道具。

Commercial

"地震も怖くない頑丈さ"

— Sturdiness that isn't afraid of earthquakes. Common in real estate.

地震も怖くない頑丈な家。

Descriptive

"馬のように頑丈"

— Sturdy like a horse. Used for strong, hardworking people.

彼は馬のように頑丈な男だ。

Simile

"ビクともしない頑丈さ"

— Sturdiness that doesn't even budge. Used for extremely stable things.

嵐でもビクともしない頑丈な小屋。

Emphasis

"折り紙付きの頑丈さ"

— Certified sturdiness. Used when the quality is guaranteed.

このメーカーの製品は折り紙付きの頑丈さだ。

Idiomatic

"無骨だが頑丈"

— Rugged/unrefined but sturdy. Used for things that look rough but are strong.

無骨だが頑丈なナイフ。

Descriptive

"見かけ倒しではない頑丈さ"

— Sturdiness that isn't just for show. Used for truly strong things.

見かけ倒しではない頑丈なスーツケース。

Emphasis

Easily Confused

頑丈な vs 強い (Tsuyoi)

Both mean 'strong'.

Tsuyoi is general (wind, coffee, will). Ganjou is physical (objects, body).

風が強い (Wind is strong) vs 頑丈な壁 (Sturdy wall).

頑丈な vs 硬い (Katai)

Both imply resistance.

Katai is about surface hardness (like a diamond). Ganjou is about structural integrity.

硬い石 (Hard stone) vs 頑丈な家 (Sturdy house).

頑丈な vs 屈強 (Kukkyou)

Both describe physical strength.

Kukkyou is almost exclusively for powerful, brawny men. Ganjou is for both people and objects.

屈強な兵士 (Brawny soldier) vs 頑丈な机 (Sturdy desk).

頑丈な vs 堅牢 (Kenrou)

Both mean solid and strong.

Kenrou is formal/literary and often used for fortifications or high-end security.

堅牢な城 (Solid castle).

頑丈な vs しっかり (Shikkari)

Both mean solid/reliable.

Shikkari is broader (can mean 'properly' or 'dependable person'). Ganjou is strictly physical toughness.

しっかりした性格 (Reliable personality) vs 頑丈な体 (Sturdy body).

Sentence Patterns

これは[頑丈な]＋[名詞]です。

これは頑丈な椅子です。

[名詞]は[頑丈]にできています。

この靴は頑丈にできています。

[名詞]は[頑丈]なので、[結果]。

この棚は頑丈なので、重い本を置けます。

[名詞]の[頑丈さ]を[動詞]。

製品の頑丈さをテストする。

[頑丈な]＋[抽象名詞]の土台。

頑丈な論理の土台。

[名詞]に耐えうる[頑丈さ]を備える。

暴風雪に耐えうる頑丈さを備える。

[頑丈な]＋[体格/肉体]をしている。

彼は頑丈な体格をしている。

もっと[頑丈な]＋[名詞]がほしい。

もっと頑丈な紐がほしい。

Word Family

Nouns

頑丈さ (Ganjou-sa) - Sturdiness

Verbs

頑丈にする (Ganjou ni suru) - To make sturdy

Adjectives

頑丈な (Ganjou-na) - Sturdy

頑固 (Ganko) - Stubborn

頑張る (Ganbaru) - To do one's best

屈強 (Kukkyou) - Strong/brawny

強固 (Kyouko) - Firm

丈夫 (Joubu) - Durable

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily life, especially regarding physical goods and health.

Common Mistakes

頑丈い (Ganjou-i) → 頑丈な (Ganjou-na)
Ganjou is a na-adjective, not an i-adjective.
頑丈な心 (Ganjou-na kokoro) → 強い心 (Tsuyoi kokoro)
Ganjou is for physical things, not the heart or mind.
頑丈なコーヒー (Ganjou-na koohii) → 濃いコーヒー / 強いコーヒー
Ganjou cannot describe the intensity of flavors.
頑丈な天気 (Ganjou-na tenki) → 荒れた天気 / 強い風
Ganjou is not used for weather phenomena.
頑丈人 (Ganjou hito) → 頑丈な人 (Ganjou-na hito)
You must use 'na' to connect the adjective to the noun.

Tips

Use for physical goods

When you want to praise the quality of a tool or furniture, 'ganjou' is the perfect word.

Don't forget 'na'

Always remember: 頑丈な + Noun. It is a na-adjective, not an i-adjective.

Earthquake context

In Japan, a 'ganjou' house is a very desirable thing due to safety concerns.

Ganjou vs. Joubu

Use 'ganjou' when you want to sound a bit more descriptive about the 'toughness' of an object.

Think of 'Gun-Joe'

A sturdy action figure like GI Joe can help you remember the meaning.

Complimenting health

Calling an older person 'ganjou' is a great way to praise their vitality.

Kanji balance

The kanji 頑 has many strokes; practice writing it slowly to get the proportions right.

Product reviews

Look for 'ganjou' in Amazon Japan reviews to see how native speakers describe durable products.

Not for abstract use

Stick to physical things. Don't use it for 'sturdy arguments'.

Ganjou ni

Use 'ganjou ni' when describing the process of building or fixing something.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a **GAN**gster who is **JOU** (so) sturdy that even a building falling on him wouldn't break him. He is **GANJOU**.

Visual Association

Picture a massive oak table or a sumo wrestler with a thick neck. These are the embodiments of 'ganjou'.

Word Web

Furniture Construction Bodybuild Rugged Solid Reliable Heavy-duty Unbreakable

Challenge

Look around your room and find three things that are 'ganjou' and three things that are 'moroi' (fragile). Say them out loud.

Word Origin

Composed of 頑 (stubborn/sturdy) and 丈 (length/stature). Originally implied a stubborn or unyielding physical presence.

Original meaning: A physical stature that is stubborn and unchanging.

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

Cultural Context

Calling a woman 'ganjou' can be tricky; it's better to use 'kenkou' (healthy) unless you are specifically praising her athletic build.

In English, we might use 'heavy-duty' or 'rugged' for objects, and 'burly' or 'strapping' for people. 'Ganjou' covers all these.

Used in car commercials (Toyota Land Cruiser is ganjou). Used in anime to describe 'tank' characters. Common in DIY (Do-It-Yourself) magazines.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping for furniture

頑丈な机
頑丈な作り
一生使える頑丈さ
意外と頑丈

Describing an athlete

頑丈な体格
頑丈な足腰
怪我をしない頑丈さ
岩のように頑丈

Discussing housing

頑丈な基礎
頑丈な構造
家を頑丈にする
地震に強い頑丈な家

Shipping a package

頑丈な箱
頑丈に梱包する
頑丈な紐で縛る
中身を守る頑丈さ

Outdoor activities

頑丈な靴
頑丈なテント
頑丈なライト
過酷な環境に耐える頑丈さ

Conversation Starters

"このカバン、すごく頑丈そうですね。どこで買ったんですか？"

"新しい家を建てるなら、やっぱり頑丈な構造がいいですよね。"

"彼は昔から頑丈な体をしていて、一度も病気をしたことがないんですよ。"

"この棚、重いものを置いても大丈夫かな？頑丈に見えるけど。"

"最近のスマホは画面が頑丈になったと言われていますが、本当でしょうか？"

Journal Prompts

あなたが持っている物の中で、一番「頑丈な」物は何ですか？その理由も書いてください。

「頑丈な体」を手に入れるために、どのようなトレーニングが必要だと思いますか？

日本の建物が頑丈だと言われる理由について、あなたの考えを書いてください。

見た目は弱そうだけど、実は頑丈なもの（または人）についてのエピソードを書いてください。

もしあなたが頑丈なロボットを作るとしたら、どのような機能を持たせますか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually no. For character, use 'ganko' (stubborn), 'tsuyoi' (strong), or 'shikkari shite iru' (reliable). 'Ganjou' refers to their physical frame.

'Joubu' is more common and can mean 'healthy.' 'Ganjou' is more about being 'sturdy' and 'tough' in construction.

Yes, it is a neutral adjective. You can use it in formal settings to describe product quality.

No. Use 'tsuyoi kaze' (strong wind). 'Ganjou' is only for physical objects or bodies.

It is written as 頑丈. The first kanji is 'gan' (stubborn) and the second is 'jou' (length/stature).

Metaphorically, yes, you can say 'ganjou na sekurity' (sturdy security), but 'kyouko' is more common for digital contexts.

No. For 'hard' food, use 'katai'.

No. Use 'kyouko na kizuna' (strong bond) or 'katai kizuna'.

The most direct opposite is 'moroi' (fragile) or 'yowai' (weak).

Yes, to describe characters who are physically tough and can take a lot of damage.