鍛える

• Reading: きたえる
• Romaji: kitaeru
• Kanji breakdown: 鍛 (tan) — forge metal, temper, hammer repeatedly
• Pronunciation: /ki.ta.e.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To forge or temper metal; to train and strengthen the body; to discipline and harden the mind through rigorous practice.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb originally referring to the blacksmith's process of repeatedly hammering and heating metal to strengthen it. Extended metaphorically to physical training and mental discipline. The noun form 鍛錬 (tanren) similarly means rigorous training or discipline. Commonly collocates with 体 (body), 精神 (spirit), or 心 (heart/mind). Implies a sustained, demanding process of hardening through repeated effort over time.

Examples

1. 毎朝欠かさずトレーニングをして、体を鍛えることを習慣にしている。 I make it a habit to train my body by working out every morning without fail.
2. 厳しい海外赴任の経験が、彼のビジネス感覚を大きく鍛えた。 The gruelling experience of an overseas posting greatly strengthened his business acumen.
3. 刀鍛冶は何千回もの鎚打ちを繰り返して、一本の刀を鍛え上げる。 A swordsmith forges a single blade through thousands of repeated hammer strikes.

Usage Guide

Context: fitness, self-development, martial arts, craftsmanship

Tone: positive

Origin & History

From the smithing process: the kanji 鍛 depicts the hammering of metal on an anvil. The verb was extended to any rigorous process of strengthening through repeated application of force or pressure.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: All classes