Translation and Meaning of: 丈夫 - jyoufu

The Japanese word 丈夫[じょうふ] is a term that carries deep meanings and practical applications in everyday life. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding what this word represents can be very useful. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, usage in sentences, and how it is culturally perceived in Japan. Additionally, we will see tips for memorizing it efficiently.

The term 丈夫[じょうふ] is often associated with ideas of robustness, health, and solidity, both in a physical and emotional sense. Whether describing a durable object or a resilient person, this word plays an important role in Japanese communication. Here at Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, you will find detailed explanations about terms like this that go beyond literal translation.

Meaning and usage of 丈夫 [じょうふ]

丈夫[じょうふ] is an adjective in the Japanese language that generally means "strong," "resilient," or "durable." It can be used to describe well-made objects, such as furniture or buildings, but it also applies to people who demonstrate physical or emotional vigor. For example, saying someone is 丈夫 implies that this person has robust health or a resilient personality.

In daily life, Japanese people use this word in various contexts. A salesperson might highlight that a product is 丈夫 to emphasize its quality, while a doctor might use the term to praise a patient's recovery. The versatility of 丈夫[じょうふ] makes it a valuable word for anyone looking to express themselves naturally in Japanese.

Origin and components of 丈夫[じょうふ]

The kanji writing of 丈夫 is composed of two characters: 丈 (jou) and 夫 (fu). 丈 can mean "height" or "measurement," while 夫 refers to "husband" or "man." Together, these kanjis convey the idea of solidity and reliability, characteristics traditionally associated with the male figure in Japanese culture. This combination reflects historical values related to resilience and the ability to withstand adversities.

Although the etymology of 丈夫[じょうふ] refers to ancient concepts, its modern usage is not limited to gender or archaic contexts. The word has evolved to encompass anything or anyone that demonstrates firmness and durability. This aspect shows how the Japanese language preserves cultural roots while adapting to contemporary needs.

Tips for memorizing 丈夫[じょうふ]

An effective way to remember 丈夫[じょうふ] is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of an object you consider durable, like a sturdy suitcase or a well-made coat, and mentally repeat: "このかばんはじょうふです" (This suitcase is durable). Creating connections with real examples helps to internalize vocabulary naturally.

Another strategy is to observe the kanji 夫, which also appears in words like 大丈夫[だいじょうぶ] ("all right" or "safe"). Recognizing these patterns makes it easier to learn related terms. Furthermore, listening to the pronunciation in dramas or animes can reinforce memorization, as 丈夫[じょうふ] frequently appears in everyday dialogues.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 強い (Tsuyoi) - Strong
• 頑丈 (Ganjou) - Robust, resistant
• 堅牢 (Kenrou) - Granite-like fortress, solid
• 丈夫な (Joubu na) - Durable, well-built
• 頑健な (Ganken na) - Healthy, strong (in physical terms)
• 強靭な (Kyōjin na) - Flexible, tenacious
• 頑強な (Gankyou na) - Resilient, strong
• 剛健な (Gouken na) - Robust, healthy
• 堅固な (Kengo na) - Solid, firm
• 強固な (Kyōko na) - Unbreakable, extremely strong
• 頑丈な (Ganjou na) - Robust, durable (repeated, but kept for context)
• 頑丈そうな (Ganjou sou na) - It looks sturdy.
• 堅牢そうな (Kenrou sou na) - It looks solid
• 強靭そうな (Kyōjin sou na) - It seems flexible and resilient
• 強く (Tsuyoku) - tightly
• 頑強に (Gankyou ni) - In a resilient way
• 剛健に (Gouken ni) - In a healthy and robust way
• 強靭に (Kyōjin ni) - In a tenacious way
• 頑丈さ (Ganjou sa) - Strength, robustness
• 堅牢さ (Kenrou sa) - Solidarity, firmness
• 強さ (Tsuyosa) - force
• 頑強さ (Gankyou sa) - Resistance, firmness
• 剛健さ (Gouken sa) - Robustness, health
• 強靭さ (Kyōjin sa) - Tenacity, flexibility

丈夫

Romaji: jyoufu
Kana: じょうふ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: 1. Hero; knight; warrior; virile person; 2. Good health; robustness; strong; solid; durable

Meaning in English: 1. hero;gentleman;warrior;manly person; 2. good health;robustness;strong;solid;durable

Definition: A strong and hard-to-break condition or property.

Example Sentences - (丈夫) jyoufu

See below some example sentences:

革は丈夫で長持ちする素材です。

Kawa wa jōbu de nagamochi suru sozai desu

Leather is a durable and long lasting material.

• 革 (kawa) - leather
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 丈夫 (joubu) - resistant, durable
• で (de) - connecting particle
• 長持ちする (nagamochi suru) - last a long time
• 素材 (sozai) - material
• です (desu) - polite way of being

丈夫な男性が道を歩いている。

Joufu na dansei ga michi wo aruite iru

A strong man is walking down the street.

A durable man is walking on the road.

• 丈夫な - adjective meaning "strong"
• 男性 - noun that means "man"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 道 - noun that means "path"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 歩いている - verb that means "is walking" in the present continuous

ナイロンは丈夫で使いやすい素材です。

Nairon wa jōbu de tsukaiyasui sozai desu

Nylon is a durable and easy-to-use material.

Nylon is a durable and easy-to-use material.

• ナイロン - nylon
• は - Topic particle
• 丈夫 - Resistant
• で - connecting particle
• 使いやすい - easy to use
• 素材 - Material
• です - Completion particle

このドアの取っ手はとても丈夫です。

Kono doa no totte wa totemo jōbu desu

The handle on this door is very sturdy.

The handle of this door is very durable.

• この - indicates that something is close or related to the speaker.
• ドア - door.
• の - possessive particle.
• 取っ手 - doorknob.
• は - topic particle, indicates that the subject of the sentence is the door handle.
• とても - very.
• 丈夫 - resistant.
• です - verb ser/estar in the present tense.

このケースはとても丈夫です。

Kono kēsu wa totemo jōbu desu

This box is very resistant.

This case is very strong.

• この - indicates proximity, in this case, "this"
• ケース - means "case" or "box"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "about"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 丈夫 - adjective that means "resistant" or "strong"
• です - verb "to be" in the present affirmative

丈夫な男性が好きです。

Joufu na dansei ga suki desu

I like strong men.

I like durable men.

• 丈夫な - adjective meaning "strong, robust"
• 男性 - noun that means "man, masculine"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 好き - adjective that means "to like, to love"
• です - verb indicating the polite or formal form of the present tense

大丈夫ですか？

Daijoubu desu ka?

Are you okay?

OK?

• 大丈夫 - It means "it's all good" or "it's all right" in Japanese.
• です - is a politeness particle in Japanese, which is added to the end of a sentence to make it more formal.
• か - is an interrogative particle in Japanese, which is added to the end of a sentence to turn it into a question.