根強い

• Reading: ねづよい
• Romaji: nezuyoi
• Kanji breakdown: 根 (kon/ne) — root, origin; 強 (kyō/tsuyoi) — strong, powerful
• Pronunciation: /ne̞d͡zɯjo̞i/

Meaning

Deep-rooted; firmly established; persistent. Describes something so entrenched that it resists change or removal.

An i-adjective used for beliefs, prejudices, customs, support, or opposition that have taken firm hold over time. Carries a sense of durability and resistance — the thing is not easily dislodged. Frequently appears in journalistic and analytical writing.

Examples

1. その地域では根強い差別意識が今も残っている。 Deep-rooted discrimination still persists in that region.
2. 彼女は根強いファンに支えられて20年間歌い続けた。 Supported by a devoted fanbase, she continued singing for twenty years.
3. 古い慣習は根強く、なかなか変えられないものだ。 Old customs are deeply entrenched and not easily changed.

Usage Guide

Context: journalism, social issues, politics, culture

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 根 (root, origin) and 強い (strong). Metaphorically describes something so deeply rooted it cannot easily be uprooted, like an old tree with an extensive root system.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal