What Does ‘Tsuyoi’ Mean? The Ultimate Guide to Japan’s Slang for ‘Powerful’ and ‘Top-Tier’

Tsuyoi (強い) literally translates to ‘strong,’ but in Japanese slang, it is frequently used to describe someone who is highly skilled, dominant in a game, or an expert in a specific field. It is the go-to term to express admiration for someone’s exceptional ability.

While often used in sports or competitive gaming, you will hear it in casual settings to describe someone who has a high tolerance for alcohol (‘Osake ga tsuyoi’) or someone who is particularly good at their job. It is a word rooted in respect and acknowledgement of power.

Friend A: ‘Did you see Tanaka-san play the piano? He was amazing!’
Friend B: ‘Seriously, he’s tsuyoi! His technique is on another level.’

Using ‘tsuyoi’ helps you sound more natural when complimenting someone’s prowess. It carries a sense of weight—suggesting that the person in question isn’t just ‘good,’ but ‘formidable.’

Pro-Tip: If you want to emphasize that someone is exceptionally skilled or ‘the best of the best,’ you can use the intensified form ‘cho-tsuyoi’ (very strong). Just be sure to use it in casual, friendly settings as it is strictly slang!

Interested in other ways to describe skills or qualities? Check out our guides on what ‘Umai’ means and how to use it for ‘skilled,’ or learn more about the nuance of Japanese appraisals in our guide on what ‘Hyouka’ means.