強 (qiáng) - Strong, powerful & to force, to compel

強Tone 2

qiáng ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

器情

強 · qiáng

Strong, powerful;

to force, to compel;

robust, vigorous;

superior, better.

Strong, powerfulto force, to compelrobust, vigorous

Usage highlights

StrongPowerful nationTo strengthenTo force, to compelStrongmanRobust, sturdy

Synonyms

  • 壯— sturdy, robust
  • 健— healthy, strong
  • 勁— strong, powerful

Antonyms

  • 弱— weak, feeble
  • 柔— soft, gentle

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is very strong (他很強).
  • We must strengthen our national defense (加強國防).
  • Don't force others to drink (不要勉強別人喝酒).
  • She has a strong sense of responsibility (責任感很強).

Collocations

  • Strong(強大)
  • Powerful nation(強國)
  • To strengthen(加強)
  • To force, to compel(勉強)
  • Strongman(強人)
  • Robust, sturdy(強壯)

Idioms

  • To make a country rich and its military powerful(富國強兵)
  • To go against one's will(強人所難)
  • Outwardly strong but inwardly weak(外強中乾)
  • The survival of the fittest(弱肉強食)
  • To force a smile(強顏歡笑)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character embodies the Confucian ideal of self-cultivation and moral strength, not just physical power.
  • In modern contexts, it is associated with national strength and technological advancement.
  • The concept of 'not forcing' (不勉強) is an important Taoist and social principle.

FAQ