強いる

• Reading: しいる
• Romaji: shiiru
• Kanji breakdown: 強 (kyō/shi) — strong, force, compel
• Pronunciation: /ɕiː.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To force; to compel; to coerce. To make someone do something against their will.

A Group 2 (ichidan) transitive verb with a strongly negative connotation of imposing one's will on others. Often used in passive form (強いられる) to describe being forced into a situation. Common in news, social commentary, and discussions about power dynamics.

Examples

1. 社員に長時間労働を強いる会社は問題だ。 Companies that force their employees to work excessive hours are a problem.
2. 戦争が市民に避難を強いた。 The war forced civilians to evacuate.
3. 不当な条件を強いられて、彼は退職した。 He quit his job after being coerced into unfair conditions.

Usage Guide

Context: news, social issues, workplace

Tone: critical

Origin & History

From the kanji 強 (strong, force), which combines 弓 (bow) with 虫 (insect) and an additional stroke, suggesting exerting strength. The reading しいる is a native Japanese verb form.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal