堅牢

• Reading: けんろう
• Romaji: kenrou
• Kanji breakdown: 堅 (ken/kata) — hard, firm; 牢 (rō/ro) — prison, strong enclosure, robust
• Pronunciation: /kenɾoː/

Meaning

Solid; sturdy; robust; strong; firm. Built or structured to withstand significant force or endure over time.

A na-adjective used primarily for physical constructions such as buildings, materials, and systems, though it can apply to abstract structures like legal frameworks or organisations. Implies a combination of strength and durability — not just hard but also reliable over the long term. Similar to 堅固 but with a stronger emphasis on structural robustness.

Examples

1. 新しい倉庫は堅牢な構造で、地震にも耐えられる設計だ。 The new warehouse has a robust structure designed to withstand earthquakes.
2. 堅牢なセキュリティシステムを構築することが急務だ。 Building a solid security system is an urgent priority.
3. 古い石橋は数百年を経てもなお堅牢に保たれていた。 The old stone bridge remained sturdy even after several hundred years.

Usage Guide

Context: architecture, engineering, security, manufacturing

Tone: technical

Origin & History

Compound of 堅 (ken, hard/firm) and 牢 (rō, prison/strong structure). The second character evokes a solidly built enclosure, reinforcing the sense of durable, reliable strength.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional