Japanese word

強烈

Pronunciation

Romajikyōretsu

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveintense

Example

このチーズのにおいは強烈です。ko no chī zu no ni o i wa kyō retsu de su

The smell of this cheese is intense.

Illustration for 強烈 (intense)

More examples

昨日の雷雨は強烈でしたが、朝には空が晴れました。kinō no rai u wa kyō retsu de shi ta ga asa ni wa sora ga ha re ma shi ta

Yesterday's thunderstorm was intense, but the sky was clear by morning.

Core concept

Indicates an unusually high level of force, sensation, or effect that stands out from what is ordinary.

Common phrases

  • 強烈な印象kyō retsu na in shō

    strong impression

  • 強烈なにおいkyō retsu na ni o i

    intense smell

  • 強烈な味kyō retsu na aji

    intense flavor

Similar words

猛烈mōretsu: Describes something that has an extremely strong force or effect.
激烈gekiretsu: Describes an action, change, or experience that reaches an extreme level.
濃厚nōkō: Describes a flavor or smell that is rich, concentrated, and strongly noticeable.

Definition in Japanese

力や感覚への作用が際立って強く、普通の程度を大きく超えているさま。chikara ya kan kaku e no sa yō ga kiwa da tte tsuyo ku fu tsū no tei do o ō ki ku ko e te i ru sa ma

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 強烈 (kyōretsu) joins 強 (kyō, "strong") with 烈 (retsu, "fierce"), directly expressing exceptional strength.

Usage tips

  • 強烈な味 (kyōretsu na aji) can describe a flavor that dominates the senses, making the word useful when discussing food, smells, and other vivid experiences.

Other meanings

  • strongna-adjective
  • severena-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 強烈さkyōretsusaintensitynoun

Word lists with this word