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强 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
强qiángstubbornHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiángunyieldingHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiángstrongHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiángpowerfulHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiángbetterHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiángslightly more thanHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiángvigorousHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiángviolentHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiángbest in their category, e.g. see 百強HSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiángto forceHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiángto compelHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiángto striveHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiángto make an effortHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiángstrong, powerful, energeticHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiángbest in their category, e.g. see 百強|百强[bai3 qiang2]HSK 4, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiángsurname QiangHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强jiàngstubbornHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强jiàngunyieldingHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强jiàngstrongHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强jiàngpowerfulHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强jiàngbetterHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强jiàngslightly more thanHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强jiàngvigorousHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强jiàngviolentHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强jiàngbest in their category, e.g. see 百強HSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强jiàngto forceHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强jiàngto compelHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强jiàngto striveHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强jiàngto make an effortHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强jiàngstrong, powerful, energeticHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强jiàngbest in their category, e.g. see 百強|百强[bai3 qiang2]HSK 4, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强jiàngsurname QiangHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiǎngstubbornHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiǎngunyieldingHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiǎngstrongHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiǎngpowerfulHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiǎngbetterHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiǎngslightly more thanHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiǎngvigorousHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiǎngviolentHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiǎngbest in their category, e.g. see 百強HSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiǎngto forceHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiǎngto compelHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiǎngto striveHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiǎngto make an effortHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiǎngstrong, powerful, energeticHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiǎngbest in their category, e.g. see 百強|百强[bai3 qiang2]HSK 4, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
强qiǎngsurname QiangHSK 4, a, 12 strokes, radical 弓, rank #669, Medium
jiàng(jiang4)
primary
 T4
  1. 1stubborn
  2. 2unyielding
Also a Chinese surname, Qiang — see the Surname Dictionary
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

强(強)jiàng(jiang4)

The character 强 (jiàng) conveys the meaning of being strong, powerful, or vigorous. It can also imply stubbornness or an unyielding nature. In various contexts, it can refer to physical strength, mental resilience, or a compelling force, making it versatile in both casual and formal language.

Strokes12Radical弓Frequency#669DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of being 强 (strong) is often associated with resilience and perseverance, qualities highly valued in both personal and societal contexts. For instance, the phrase 百强 (bǎi qiáng) refers to the top 100 companies in various fields, signifying excellence.

Memory Tip

Imagine a giant (强) flexing their muscles to show off their strength. The character has a strong 'qiáng' sound, similar to the English 'strong,' helping you remember its meaning. Picture the giant being stubborn and refusing to back down, reinforcing the idea of unyielding strength.

Meanings of 强

jiàng(jiang4)
primary
1stubborn
2unyielding
Exercise 1 of 3

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 强

强Simplified
強Traditional
12Strokes
弓Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#669Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 强

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Podcast: 强

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 强

Quick Contrast

强 (jiàng) vs 劲 (jìn) — use 强 for general strength or power, while 劲 is more about intensity or force in a specific context.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 强 (jiàng) with its homophone 强 (qiáng), which has different meanings and usages. Use 强 (jiàng) in contexts that emphasize effort or strength, while 强 (qiáng) is more about physical strength or dominance. Be careful with the tone, as it can change the meaning drastically.

HSK Study Tips

While 强 (jiàng) is not officially part of the HSK vocabulary, it relates closely to other words at higher levels that describe strength, effort, and determination. Students should focus on the different usages of the word in various contexts, especially in adjectives and verbs.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse the tones and use 强 (qiáng) when they mean 强 (jiàng), leading to miscommunication. For instance, saying '他很强' (tā hěn qiáng) instead of '他很强' (tā hěn jiàng) can imply he is just strong rather than emphasizing his determination.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 强

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Etymology of 强

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Simplified form of 強. Origin unclear.

Memory Hint

bow

Semantic (meaning)弓
+
Phonetic (sound)虫
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 强

Simplified form of 強. Origin unclear.

  1. 1The meaning half弓 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half虫 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaybow
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 强? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 强?

Decomposition of 强

IDS Structure⿰弓虽
强Full Character
=
弓Gong1
left
虽sui1
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 强?

How to say stubborn in Chinese

“stubborn” in Chinese is强qiáng

The character 强 (jiàng) conveys the meaning of being strong, powerful, or vigorous. It can also imply stubbornness or an unyielding nature. In various contexts, it can refer to physical strength, mental resilience, or a compelling force, making it versatile in both casual and formal language.

When to use 强

Learners often confuse 强 (jiàng) with its homophone 强 (qiáng), which has different meanings and usages. Use 强 (jiàng) in contexts that emphasize effort or strength, while 强 (qiáng) is more about physical strength or dominance. Be careful with the tone, as it can change the meaning drastically.

强 or something close to it

强 (jiàng) vs 劲 (jìn) — use 强 for general strength or power, while 劲 is more about intensity or force in a specific context.

What learners get wrong

Learners sometimes confuse the tones and use 强 (qiáng) when they mean 强 (jiàng), leading to miscommunication. For instance, saying '他很强' (tā hěn qiáng) instead of '他很强' (tā hěn jiàng) can imply he is just strong rather than emphasizing his determination.

Write 强

强

Practice writing 强 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 强

强 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 16 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Related grammar lessons6
Exercise 1 of 2

Complete the Sentence

老师一再____调这个语法点。

The teacher repeatedly emphasized this grammar point.

Common Confusions with 强

强vs墙
qiáng

Similar pronunciation but different meaning.

强vs抢
qiǎng

Similar pronunciation but different meaning.

Exercise 1 of 1

Spot the Difference

Which character means "stubborn"?

or

Example Sentences for 强 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
当你从内心深处找到一种可以忍受一切痛苦的坚强力量时，你的成长历程就会出现飞跃。

dāng nǐ cóng nèi xīn shēn chǔ zhǎo dào yī zhǒng kě yǐ rěn shòu yī qiē tòng kǔ de jiān qiáng lì liáng shí， ， nǐ de chéng cháng lì chéng jiù huì chū xiàn fēi。

The turning point in the process of growing up is when you discover the core of strength within you that survives all hurt.--Max Lerner
2
他们强烈感受到他们的宗教信仰与政治体制不相称。

tā mén qiáng liè gǎn shòu dào tā mén de zōng jiào xìn yǎng yǔ zhèng zhì tǐ zhì bù xiāng chēng。

They feel strongly that their religion is incompatible with the political system.
3
“他强迫你做的？”她的语气里带着怀疑。

“ “ tā qiáng pò nǐ zuò？” de ？” tā de yǔ qì lǐ dài zháo。

"He made you do it?" Her voice was incredulous.
4
正如1892年剧本的副标题所强调的，《凯瑟琳》是一部“爱尔兰戏剧”。

zhèng rú1892 1892 nián jù běn de fù biāo tí suǒ qiáng tiáo，《 de ，《 kǎi》 sè lín 》“ shì yī bù “ ài”。

"Kathleen" was, as its 1892 subtitle asserted, "An Irish Drama".
5
遗憾的是，过于简单的情节使得这部电影差强人意。

yí hàn de shì， ， guò yú jiǎn dān de qíng jié shǐ dé zhè bù diàn yǐng chà qiáng rén。

Sadly, the film is let down by an excessively simple plot.
6
反堕胎者所作的加强法规的尝试失败了。

fǎn duò tāi zhě suǒ zuò de jiā qiáng fǎ guī de cháng shì shī bài le。

An attempt by anti-abortionists to tighten the rules was defeated.
7
利率有望早日下调，从而增强了人们的信心。

lì shuài yǒu wàng zǎo rì xià tiáo， ， cóng ér zēng qiáng le rén mén de xìn。

Hopes of an early cut in interest rates bolstered confidence.
8
这个消息给电信部门注入了一针强心剂。

zhè gè xiāo xī gěi diàn xìn bù mén zhù rù le yī zhēn qiáng xīn jì。

The news gave a fillip to the telecommunications sector.
9
他强烈地感受到这件作品的美学价值。

tā qiáng liè dì gǎn shòu dào zhè jiàn zuò pǐn de měi xué jià zhí。

He responded very strongly to the aesthetic of this particular work.
10
叛军屡次尝试强攻这座建筑。

pàn jūn lǚ cì cháng shì qiáng gōng zhè zuò jiàn zhù。

The rebel soldiers tried repeatedly to storm the building.

Word Family of 强

Compounds12
犟jiang4stubborn
襁qiang3swaddling cloth
糨jiang4starch, paste; to starch
膙
蔃
镪qiang1coins, money, wealth
勥
嵹
摾
漒
繦
鏹
Words Containing This Character20
强jiàngstrong強
加强jiāqiángto reinforce加強
强大qiángdàlarge強大
强烈qiánglièintense強烈
坚强jiānqiángstaunch堅強
强调qiángdiàoto stress強調
增强zēngqiángto increase增強
强奸to rape強姦
强迫qiǎngpòto compel強迫
强壮qiángzhuàngstrong強壯
强化qiánghuàto strengthen強化
强制qiángzhìto enforce強制
强度qiángdùstrength強度
勉强miǎnqiǎngreluctant勉強
强劲qiángjìngstrong強勁
强硬qiángyìngtough強硬
强行qiángxíngto do sth by force強行
强盗qiángdàobandit強盜
强力powerful強力
强悍valiant強悍
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 犟 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 强

Yes, 强 is used in several common phrases, such as '强壮' (qiáng zhuàng) meaning 'strong and healthy' and '强烈' (qiáng liè) meaning 'intense.' These phrases illustrate how 强 is often associated with strength and intensity in various contexts.

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