强

• Pinyin: qiáng
• Hanzi breakdown: 强 = 弓 (bow) + 虽 (though, phonetic component); simplified from 強, suggesting the tension of a drawn bow

Meaning

Strong; powerful; capable. Describes someone or something with great strength, ability, or intensity.

Extremely versatile adjective. Used for physical strength (身体很强), ability (能力很强), intensity (风很强), and competitiveness (比他强). Can function as a comparative (我比你强 = I'm better than you). Also appears in many compounds: 强大, 强烈, 坚强, 增强.

Examples

1. 他的学习能力特别强，什么都学得很快。 His learning ability is exceptionally strong — he picks up everything quickly.
2. 今天的风太强了，我差点儿站不稳。 The wind is too strong today — I nearly couldn't stand steady.
3. 你的中文比我强多了。 Your Chinese is much better than mine.

Usage Guide

Context: comparisons, descriptions, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 她的工作能力很强。(Her work ability is very strong.)
• 这个队的实力比那个队强。(This team's strength is greater than that team's.)

Don't Say

• 这个菜的味道很强。(Don't use 强 for taste intensity — say 浓 (strong/rich) or 重 (heavy) for flavour.)

Origin & History

强 is simplified from 強. The traditional form contains 弓 (bow) and 虫 (insect/creature), possibly suggesting a creature as tough as a drawn bow — full of tension and power.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal