強烈

• Reading: きょうれつ
• Romaji: kyōretsu
• Kanji breakdown: 強 (kyō) — strong, forceful; 烈 (retsu) — fierce, intense, ardent
• Pronunciation: /kʲoː.ɾe.tsɯ/

Meaning

Intense; strong; powerful; overwhelming. Used to describe a stimulus, impression, or force that is difficult to ignore or resist.

A na-adjective conveying an extreme or overpowering degree of some quality — heat, personality, flavour, or impact. Unlike 強い (strong) which is neutral, 強烈 carries a nuance of striking intensity that leaves a lasting impression. Often paired with 印象 (impression), 個性 (personality), or 刺激 (stimulus).

Examples

1. 彼女の強烈な個性は、会った人すべてに強い印象を残す。 Her intense personality leaves a strong impression on everyone she meets.
2. 夏の強烈な日差しを避けるために、木陰で休んだ。 I rested in the shade to escape the intense summer sun.
3. そのスパイスは強烈な辛さで、口の中が燃えるようだった。 The spice was so intensely hot that it felt like my mouth was on fire.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, literature, journalism, sensory description

Tone: emphatic

Origin & History

Chinese compound borrowed into Japanese. 強 (kyō) means strong or forceful; 烈 (retsu) means fierce, intense, or ardent. Together they amplify each other to express overwhelming force.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal